The Historic and Architectural Resources Geographic Information System (HARGIS) is the public portal to Illinois’ historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts. First launched in 2003, the database contains properties that have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, determined eligible for listing, or surveyed without a determination. The newest version, just launched in 2021, is on the ArcGIS platform.
Please take note that the application is not fully complete. Comprehensive property reports will be available directly within HARGIS after the second phase is launched in the coming months. To learn about how to access National Register documentation, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the data in HARGIS, some factors are beyond our control. Properties may have been demolished or moved since surveys were taken, and addresses may have been changed or points placed on the map have been entered in error. In addition, the information contained in HARGIS may be outdated in some instances. This ArcGIS application functions as a research tool, not an up-to-the-minute inventory about every historic and/or architecturally significant property in the state. This tool allows researchers to investigate and review potentially significant properties according to the best data that is available in Illinois' historic preservation office. If you are aware of errors in the data, or if you can help us update information, please send an e-mail to
email@example.com and it will be corrected at a future time. There is currently a backlog of information not yet entered, so we ask for your patience as this is completed.
Lastly, the absence of a property from this database does not imply a lack of historic or architectural importance. On the other hand, properties included in HARGIS are not automatically assured grants or any other assistance or protection. Also, other historic properties may exist that have not yet been identified. It may be necessary to contact us for more information and to satisfy local, state, or federal historic preservation requirements.
For assistance with accessing National Register documentation, we have provided two options:
The first option for accessing complete digital records of National Register documentation from 1966-2012, including nomination forms, correspondence and photos, go to the National Archives website here:
https://catalog.archives.gov/ . Identify the NPS listing number for the property you need to review in the first column of the
National Register Listings in Illinois_.pdf. Type that number, in parenthesis, into the search bar. Please note that you may have to hit the download button to view the pdf record. This is because the viewer function on the National Archives website has issues with certain web browsers.
A second option for accessing National Register Forms, up through 2019, is to identify the HARGIS number in the fourth column of the
National Register Listings in Illinois_.pdf. Once the HARGIS number is identified, launch the following URL
This landing page will provide a basic interface to access the National Register Nomination Forms only. These Forms can be accessed individually by appending the URL on the PDF page with the HARGIS number, and pressing "Enter".
How to use this interim process:
For properties listed in late 2019 through 2021, please contact National Register staff directly.
- Open the searchable
National Register Sites in Illinois pdf file, and locate the property for which you are seeking a property report.
- Find the HARGIS Number associated with the property in the 4th column (colored light green) and retain that number
- Open the
Property Reports for National Register Sites interface page
- In the web address bar, add the HARGIS Number + ".pdf" to the end of the URL (hpa.illinois.gov/PDFs/) as hpa.illinois.gov/PDFs/#######.pdf. Example hpa.illinois.gov/PDFs/200451.pdf
- Press "Enter"