There are numerous 20th century buildings which have been preserved, but citing a precise number would be darn near impossible, since many are in private hands, and being lovingly preserved by private individuals. However, there is a list of historic (and prehistoric) structures which have been recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register was formed in 1966 as part of a national program "to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological resources". Over 80,000 National Register properties have been listed in the database, but they include all kinds of cultural properties, not just buildings. Luckily for you and all of us, the list of National Register properties is in a searchable online database.
The most interesting way to explore the NR database is by theme --- one of the organizing features of the National Register is the development of reasons why a particular structure should be listed on the NR. As you might imagine, there are many many many cultural resources that might be preserved (rather than destroyed during road construction, for example), and themes, which describe the importance of a particular set of structures, are the result of that endeavor. Themes which apply to 20th century structures include the American Civil Rights Movement, Japanese Americans in World War II, and the American Aviation Heritage Theme Study. Dig in! I can promise you an entertaining and educational experience.
- The National Register of Historic Places
- Research at the National Register, includes a link to the database as well as some information about how to use it
- Theme Studies at the National Register
- Cultural Resource Management, describes how some properties come to be listed in the National Register.
