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The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country¹s largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, has named Georgetown to its 2003 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States In recognizing Georgetown, the National Trust singled out two museums: the Hotel de Paris, established in 1875 and long famed as one of the West's most elegant inns; and the Hamill House, completed in 1879 as the home of silver baron William A. Hamill and filled with furnishings from the owner's birthplace in England. The National Trust also noted the town's holiday celebrations, which include the Christmas Market, Santa Lucia Processional, and horse-drawn wagon rides. "It is encouraging to see communities so committed to the preservation of their historic landmarks, the revitalization of their downtown areas, and the protection of their unique heritage,"said National Trust President Richard Moe. "Georgetown represents a truly distinctive slice of America. That makes it an exciting alternative to the homogenization of many other vacation spots. It is my hope that more American cities and towns will follow Georgetown¹s lead in preserving their own spirit of place." Other cities and towns on the 2003 list include Burlington, Vermont; Coronado, California; Edenton, North Carolina; Galveston, Texas; Jekyll Island, Georgia; Keene, New Hampshire; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Natchez, Mississippi; New Harmony, Indiana; Portland, Maine; and Vancouver, Washington. This is the fourth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has compiled a list of A Dozen Distinctive Destinations. More than 50 destinations in 27 states were nominated by preservation organizations and local communities.
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The 12 winning communities met these criteria: well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, activities for families with children, an economic base of locally-owned small businesses, and walkability for residents and visitors. According to the National Trust, the residents of the selected communities
have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense
of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic
buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial
sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown
areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major
step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have
worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities,
with rewards that transcend town limits.
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