National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior

Stonewall Inn, National Historic Landmark, The

National Register Number: 99000562

http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=-1888210723&ResourceType=Site

Stonewall is nationally significant because it is associated with events that outstandingly represent the struggle for civil rights in America. The nominated sites encompasses a several block area in Greenwich Village that was the location of a series of events, collectively known as Stonewall, that occurred between June 28 and July 3, 1969. Stonewall is regarded as the single most important event that led to the modern movement for gay and lesbian civil rights.

"The Stonewall Rebellion that began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, is the watershed moment in the history of the modern gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Stonewall marked the first time that gays and lesbians as a group forcefully and vocally asserted their rights to equality under the law. The events of Stonewall opened the door for millions of gay and lesbian Americans to begin pressing for full and equal civil rights. Indeed, within a few short years of Stonewall, thousands of gay and lesbian civil rights organizations had sprung up all across America. This historic site, which is commemorated annually in thousands of parades and festivals around the world, must be recognized as a truly significant place in the history of the modern civil rights movement. In June 1999, the Stonewall Inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance to gay and lesbian history.

The event was significant from the day it occurred - creating changes in gay people's lives immediately. On the one-week anniversary, there was a gay march. On the first year anniversary, the first gay pride march was held in New York City, as well as in other cities. The name "Stonewall" has been used very widely - even internationally - to mark gay pride events. The 15th anniversary saw a post office commemoration of the event. An estimated crowd of more than 500,000 people participated in the 25th Anniversary Stonewall March in New York City." At 30 years, in June of 1999, Stonewall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and then as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing the significance of the events that took place in 1969." *

• Andrew Dolkart interview with Department of the Interior GLOBE.