Franklin honored for preserving history
WASHINGTON (AP) — From the tiny Rocky Mountain hamlet of Virginia City, Mont., to the college town of Burlington, Vt., 20 communities including Franklin, Tenn., were recognized Thursday for their efforts to preserve historic landmarks and promote heritage tourism.
They were the latest to be named Preserve America communities, a designation that enhances their visibility and officials hope may boost tourism. It could also help them compete for some of the $10 million that President Bush has proposed spending next year to promote historic preservation as a means to economic development.
Each community gets a certificate of recognition from the White House, a Preserve America Community road sign and a listing in the program’s online directory. First lady Laura Bush inaugurated the program by honoring eight communities in January. Additional winners may be recognized later this year.
Nearly 70,000 tourists flock to Virginia City every year to get a taste of the Old West during the Civil War and the Gold Rush. In Burlington, Vermont’s largest and fastest-growing city, a waterfront restoration project recently included the replacement of several historic lighthouses.
Thursday’s other recipients include:
— Arizona: White Mountain Apache Reservation
— California: Fresno
— Florida: Fort Myers
— Illinois: Rock Island
— Michigan: Douglas, Grand Rapids and Saugatuck
— Mississippi: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Pascagoula, Port Gibson
— Rhode Island: Bristol, Cranston, Warren
— Tennessee: Franklin
— Virginia: Smithfield, Williamsburg
— Wyoming: Cheyenne
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On the Net:
Preserve America Initiative: http://www.preserveamerica.gov