This work investigates the architectural heritage of the United States by cataloging significant buildings, structures, and sites of historical importance. Alicia Stamm, a specialist in historic preservation, utilizes data from the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) to provide a comprehensive inventory of sites that define the American built environment. The text serves as a structured reference guide for researchers, historians, and preservationists seeking to understand the evolution of American construction and design.

Experts and researchers frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for identifying historically significant structures within the United States. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored for professionals and students of architectural history.