From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE — Two Western North Carolina rivers “have been placed on a yearly list of America’s most endangered historic places, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene’s devastating effects,” the Asheville Citizen Times reported on May 7.

Specifically, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been publishing its “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” lists since 1988. 

As of the 38th edition, only “a handful” of the more than 350 historic places named on the lists have been lost over the years according to the historic preservation trust.

“Across the United States, compelling, meaningful historic sites are at risk, whether from natural disasters, underutilization, neglect, or lack of awareness,” NTHP PresidentCEO Carol Quillen stated in a May 6 news release.

“Each site on this year’s list has inspired passionate supporters from their surrounding communities to work together to save these cherished landmarks and repurpose them for the public, now and into the future.”

The French Broad and Swannanoa rivers made the 2025 more than six months after Helene caused historic flooding of the rivers in late September 2024. This flooding, along with ravaging WNC communities, causing some $60 billion in damage and killing more than 100 people, also wreaked havoc on river health. 

The ACT noted that it “previously reported the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to place the river-dwelling Eastern hellbender on the endangered species list.”

Following Helene, organizations such as MountainTrue, Riverlink and other environmental nonprofits have worked to repair the damage caused by the storm. 

The complete list from the National Trust for Historic Preservation — in alphabetical order — included:

• Cedar Key, Florida 

• French Broad and Swannanoa River Corridors, Western North Carolina 

• Hotel Casa Blanca, Idlewild, Michigan 

• May Hicks Curtis House, Flagstaff, Arizona 

• Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona 

• Oregon Caves Chateau, Caves Junction, Oregon 

• Pamunkey Indian Reservation, King William County, Virginia 

• San Juan Hotel, San Juan, Texas 

• Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street Buildings, Los Angeles, California 

• The Turtle, Niagara Falls, New York 

• The Wellington, Pine Hill, New York