George Rogers Clark National Historical Park: Cultural Landscape Report, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, National Park Service

The Jaeger Company, Contractor

The intent of this combined Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is to guide treatment and use of the above-ground resources associated with the historic area at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (GERO). A thorough investigation and evaluation of the cultural landscape has been conducted using National Park Service (NPS) and National Register of Historic Places guidelines. “A CLR evaluates the history and integrity of the landscape and guides management and treatment decisions about a landscape’s physical attributes, biotic systems, and use when that use contributes to historical significance.”1 Because the CLR and EA are being produced concurrently, this combined report has an altered framework from the typical versions of either stand alone report. However, all required elements are included herein. The report will serve as a guide for future development, improvements, and management of the cultural landscape resources at GERO. This Cultural Landscape Report and Environmental Assessment has been prepared by The Jaeger Company, a consulting firm that specializes in environmental assessment, landscape architecture, planning and historic preservation and RATIO Architects, Inc. to fulfill a contract with the Midwest Regional Office of the National Park Service. The purpose of the investigation undertaken in this combined Cultural Landscape Report and Environmental Assessment (CLR/EA) is to guide treatment of the cultural landscape features of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (also referred to herein as the Memorial Grounds. Throughout this document other terms involving the word “Memorial” are used to describe the following: (1) Memorial Building, to describe the Memorial structure; and (2) Memorial Terrace, to describe the raised plaza zone around the Memorial Building). Many of the prominent features are listed in the nomination as contributing resources to the National Register (NR) District (originally listed on the NR on October 15, 1966 with a nomination form accepted in 1976). The analysis and evaluation conducted as part of this CLR/EA recognizes that a 1986 National Register nomination, an update of the earlier nomination, should be revised to reflect current conditions, changes to the landscape since the last update, and the potential for an expanded boundary. The National Register nomination is also lacking a needed evaluation of the period architectural styles found at the Memorial. Since the initial development of the site as a memorial in the 1930s, a series of incremental changes have affected the landscape. Changes have included repairs and replacement of cultural landscape features as well as the addition of new supporting park facilities. After the July 23, 1966 transfer of GERO from the state to the federal government, alterations and expansion of the park boundary influenced the look of the site. Several changes implemented in this expansion adversely impacted the designed landscape. Also, some features from the original plan for the park were never implemented. The current and future use of the site will require changes to the existing conditions.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park: Cultural Landscape Report, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, National Park Service

Series