UNESCO World Heritage Sites were created in 1978 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). They began designating important sites around the globe as part of an effort to preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The current list of World Heritage Sites includes 1,153 properties as of 2021.
Contrary to some internet rumors, sites are not owned or controlled by the United Nations or UNESCO. National Parks and other historic sites are not owned by UNESCO or the UN. They are usually owned by the local government and a few are in private hands. Member states have to apply to have a site listed and no site can be listed without the approval of the host country. The only power which UNESCO has is to have a site delisted as a World Heritage Site, which has happened so far twice in its history.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites In The United States Of America
UNESCO Site Location Year of Inscription Type
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Missouri 1982 Cultural
Carlsbad Caverns National Park New Mexico 1995 Natural
Chaco Culture National Historical Park New Mexico 1987 Cultural
Everglades National Park Florida 1979 Natural
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Alaska 1979 Natural
Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 1979 Natural
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tennessee 1983 Natural
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaii 1987 Natural
Independence Hall Pennsylvania 1979 Cultural
La Fortaleza and San Juan Puerto Rico 1983 Cultural
Mammoth Cave National Park Kentucky 1981 Natural
Mesa Verde National Park Colorado 1978 Cultural
Monticello and the University of Virginia-Charlottesville Virginia 1987 Cultural
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point Louisiana 2014 Cultural
Olympic National Park Washington 1981 Natural
Papahānaumokuākea Hawaii 2010 Mixed
Redwood National and State Parks California 1980 Natural
San Antonio Missions Texas 2015 Cultural
Statue of Liberty New York 1984 Cultural
Taos Pueblo New Mexico 1992 Cultural
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Montana 1995 Natural
Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho 1978 Natural
Yosemite National Park California 1984 Natural