The 11 most endangered historic places in America

A Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse that’s in danger of tumbling off the cliffs it was built on in the 1800s was named one of the country’s most endangered historic places. The Gay Head Lighthouse in Aquinnah has stood on the Gay Head Cliffs since 1856 and a lighthouse has been in that spot since 1799. Ten other spots made the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2013 list of Most Endangered Historic Places.

The trust put the Abysinian Meeting House in Portland, Maine house on its 2013 list as well. For generations of African Americans, the Abyssinian Meeting House was a spiritual center in Portland, but now it needs funding to be preserved for the future.

The Chinatown House in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. is one of the last remaining connections to the history of Chinese Americans. It once served as a general store and residence for about 50 Chinese American laborers.

America’s first permanent English settlement at Jamestown was founded along the banks of the James River in 1607. Now preservationists say the river and landscape are threatened by a proposed transmission line that would change the scenic integrity of the area.

San Jose Church in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, was built in 1532 and stands as one of the few remaining examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere. It closed 13 years ago and is now threatened by deterioration and structural damage.

The Musselshell School in Montana. The state is still using more historic one- and two-room schoolhouses than any other state, includibut preservationists say the school buildings are at risk because the state’s population is shifting to urban centers.

Kake Cannery in Kake, Alaska. The Kake Cannery has played a role in the development of the Alaskan salmon-canning industry in the 20th century. But preservationists say immediate action is needed to stabilize the existing buildings.

The empty Delta airlines terminal 3 at JFK airport in New York.The unique flying-saucer-shaped Worldport Terminal built by Pan Am in 1960 was a symbol of the jet age. It is where The Beatles first arrived in the U.S., along with millions of other travelers. But it has become rundown, outdated, and asbestos abatement made renovations costly. Delta Air Lines recently abandoned the terminal for a new building, and demolition crews have already begun work on the futuristic structure from the past.

This undated handout photo provided by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows the Mariemont Community Church in the village of Mariemont, Ohio. The Village of Mariemont outside of Cincinnati is listed as one of America’s most endangered historic places. (AP Photo/National Trust For Historic Preservation, Steve Spooner)

Rows of dirty, tattered seats ring the Astrodome in Houston. Once touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the nation’s first domed stadium sits quietly gathering dust and items for storage. The Astrodome was the world’s first domed, air-conditioned stadium and needs a viable plan to be reused to avoid demolition.

The Mariemont Community Church in the village of Mariemont, Ohio. The Village of Mariemont outside of Cincinnati is listed as one of America’s most endangered historic places.