IN REPLY REFER TO: United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 DEC 2 i) The Director of the National Park Service Gary Everhardt is pleased to inform you that the historic property described briefly in the enclosure has been found to possess national significance in commemorating the history of the United States and has, therefore, been designated a national historic landmark. The purpose of landmark designation is to recognize nationally significant sites and to encourage their owners to preserve them. Landmarks are chosen through studies prepared by the National Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings; evaluated by the Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and monuments; and approved by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Historic Sites Act of 1935. Recognition of the property's significance as a landmark is accorded by certificates and bronze plaques which are provided free of charge to the owners or administrators of these properties upon their agreement to adhere to simple preservation practices which would satisfy the criteria for continuing eligibility. These are set forth in the enclosed leaflet. We will be pleased to provide a certificate and bronze plaque. Enclosed are copies of the agreement. The form should be completed in triplicate and two copies returned to the National Park Service. The third copy may be retained for your records. National historic landmark status automatically enrolls the property on the National Register of Historic Places. Under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, entry on the National Register provides each property with safe- guards against damage by Federal undertakings and fulfills one qualification for participation in a grant-in-aid program to assist in its preservation. Further information is contained in the enclosed leaflet describing the National Register. We are pleased to include this property among the sites already designated national historic landmarks. Honorable Dolph Briscoe cc: Mr. Ralph Block Governor of Texas Chairman 4' o Austin, Texas 78701 Battleship Texas Commission T G ...% 3461 West Alabama m z Suite C Houston, Texas 77027 o o, f'INN1 ,J