This state-wide tour includes nearly thirty markers of Kentucky sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of historic and archaeological resources deemed worthy of preservation. Administered by the National Park Service and state historic preservation offices (in Kentucky, the Kentucky Heritage Council), the National Register recognizes districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. This federal program was launched under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect our historic and archaeological resources.

The Kentucky Heritage Council's National Register Program has been widely successful and has achieved nationwide recognition. Kentucky has the fourth-highest number of listings (following New York, Massachusetts and Ohio) - with more than 3,400 districts, sites and structures encompassing more than 42,000 historic features.

Kentucky's buildings and sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places are distinguished by having been documented and evaluated according to uniform standards. The benefits of inclusion in the National Register include recognition that a property is of significance to the nation, state or community, consideration in the planning of federal or federally funded projects and eligibility for federal and state tax benefits.

The National Register of Historic Places website includes a searchable database of included assets and is publically accessible. Visit this site to learn more about the significance of the sites on this tour. The database is an excellent resource for those wanting to learn more about specific districts, sites and structures.