Pennsylvania

Martin Guitar Factory Listed in National Register of Historic Places

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the historical designation that the guitar factory has received. 

C.F. Martin & Co.'s original guitar factory in Pennsylvania has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Martin Guitar's North Street Complex in Nazareth, which includes the company's former manufacturing buildings, powerhouse and the Martin homestead are all part of the designation, which recognizes properties at the local, state, and national levels of significance. 

The Martin factory was listed at the national level of significance, the National Park Service said.

The register recognizes places that possess "exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States" in a variety of areas.

Company CEO Chris Martin says he's proud, adding "the music made on Martin instruments was and is a very significant part of musical culture for generations."

Born in Germany into a family of cabinet makers, Christian Frederick Martin Sr. apprenticed in the Viennese shop of famed luthier Johann Stauffer, then immigrated to New York City. He relocated his family and business to Nazareth in 1839.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us