The Grand Canyon, New York's South Street Seaport and Miami's Little Havana may seem like very different places, but they all have one thing in common: They're at risk of neglect or development that could change their character forever.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation included 11 locations on its annual list of America's most endangered historic places.

The annual list, now in its 28th year, aims to bring attention to architectural, cultural or natural heritage sites that face an uncertain future.

A.G. Gaston Motel — Birmingham, Alabama

The motel, which served as a "war room" for civil rights leaders, is now vacant.

Alabama businessman Arthur George Gaston built the motel in 1954 to serve blacks traveling through the south during segregation.

Carrollton Courthouse — New Orleans, Louisiana

The trust calls the Carrollton Courthouse one of the area's "most significant landmarks outside of the French Quarter."

Chautauqua Amphitheater — Chautauqua, New York

There are plans to demolish and rebuild this aging amphitheater, which preservationists oppose. The trust says it was the first multi-use retreat in the U.S. "that is an arts colony, music festival, village square and summer encampment all in one."

East Point Historic Civic Block — East Point, Georgia

This neglected downtown block includes East Point City Hall, City Auditorium, City Library and Victory Park.

The trust says the various buildings are in danger of disrepair and/or demolition.

Fort Worth Stockyards — Fort Worth, Texas

A multimillion dollar development is planned at the stockyards, which have been important to Texas' livestock industry since the late 1800s.

The Grand Canyon — Arizona

This national park is threatened by "proposals ranging from tourist resorts to mining," according to the trust.

South Street Seaport — New York, New York

The National Trust says the neighborhood would be altered by development proposals.

Little Havana — Miami, Florida

Little Havana, west of downtown Miami, could be threatened by zoning changes and a lack of protection for historic buildings, according to the trust.

In 1959, the revolution drove many Cubans to the area, and the neighborhood has a rich cultural history because of it. Now, gentrification and the potential of new high rises is creating tension between the old and the new.

"The war is going to begin," longtime resident Yvonne Bayona told the Miami New Times.

Oak Flats — Superior, Arizona

This is a sacred tribal site, potentially threatened by mining.

The Factory — West Hollywood, California

A hotel and retail project is proposed for the site of the former gay nightclub that was considered Los Angeles' version of New York's Studio 54.

Old U.S. Mint — San Francisco, California

The trust describes the Mint as neglected, and the website for the San Francisco Museum at the Mint says plans for a museum are "currently on hold," as a funding proposal is worked out.

In the past 28 years, the trust has identified more than 250 endangered places. The attention raised by the list can have a strong effect on preservation efforts — so much so that the trust prides itself on preventing the loss of most of the named sites.

http://mashable.com/2015/06/24/historic-american-places/