Mississippi Landmarks
The Mississippi Landmark designation is the highest form of recognition bestowed on properties by the state of Mississippi and offers the fullest protection against changes that might alter a property's historic character. Publicly owned properties that are determined to be historically or architecturally significant may be considered for designation. Significant publicly owned archaeological sites are automatically deemed Mississippi Landmarks under the Mississippi Antiquities Law.
Mississippi Landmark search
After a property is deemed eligible for consideration, the owner of the property is notified and given the opportunity to respond. A public notice is also published in the local newspaper to solicit comments from the public for a twenty-one day period. After that period has elapsed, the comments are considered at the next meeting of MDAH Board of Trustees, and, if there is no opposition, formal action may be taken to designate the property as a Mississippi Landmark. If designated, the property is then recorded in the deed records of the appropriate county by the Chancery Clerk as a Mississippi Landmark.
MDAH maintains an ongoing survey of likely Mississippi Landmark properties, but also welcomes nominations by communities or private citizens. Although the program was designed for public properties, private citizens who are committed to the long-term preservation of their own historically significant properties may nominate those as well.
Proposed changes to a Mississippi Landmark must be approved in advance by the Permit Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History.
Notice of Intent for Buildings (PDF)
Notice of Intent for Archaeology (PDF)
Notice of Completion Form (PDF)
Mississippi Antiquities Law (PDF)
16 Miss. Code. R. 3-12.9.2