Industrial Landscape Preservation: An Expanded Approach to Protect the Working Small Town

Abstract

This thesis aims to make historic preservation a more effective instrument for revitalizing small town communities by expanding its focus to include industrial landscape preservation. This concept provides new ways to understand preservation theory and management objectives for small towns by analyzing existing practices associated with the Main Street Approach, cultural landscape preservation, and industrial heritage. Using the case study of Toledo, Oregon's working waterfront, the thesis argues that management strategies based on traditional preservation practices are insufficient for interpreting the complexity of such historic places. The paper concludes with suggestions for how Toledo and the field of preservation can develop a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation for how industry affects people, place, and the environment over time.