History Pointer

History Pointer

National Historic Register map

32 ratings
17 reviews
$4.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • September 14, 2011
  • February 25, 2026

Features

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iphone
ipad
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About

Discover over 100,000 historic sites across the US with this app. Explore locations near you or plan road trips, with integrated maps and Wikipedia excerpts. An augmented reality view helps you find and navigate to these significant places.

National Register of Historic Places database
Location-based site discovery
Road trip planning
Multiple map views (Apple, USGS, NOAA)
Wikipedia excerpts and links
Augmented Reality (AR) identification and navigation
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What's New in History Pointer

2.4.3

February 25, 2026

Database updated with National Register of Historic Places changes through February 5, 2026.

User reviews

Nice app

Neat idea for history buffs, tour guides, etc. Could use a couple of interface tweaks. 1) Tapping on a place only brings up that place’s name and an info symbol which you then tap to see the page for that site, so why should the user have to tap twice to get to the info page? Unless most landmarks have more than just the info button in the first interface, tapping once should just bring up the info page directly. 2) Could also use an in-app browser so the user doesn’t have to keep switching back and forth between apps. Using the Safari API for this should make it simple to add an in-app browser. 3) Easy to miss the “>” for the Wiki section, so it might be better near the top of the section. 4) Wiki links should use the in-app browser or, if the Wiki app is installed, the user could tap a button to be transferred to the Wiki app. 5) Some of the USGS maps blank out at high magnification, which is confusing, so the map should automatically zoom out in those cases (and preferably not zoom in beyond the USGS resolution when displaying USGS maps, to avoid the blanking issue)
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Absolute nightmare

If you have iphone 13 do not install absolute nightmare slow,stutter ,gliches ,crashing. App needs tons of works ,improvements, optimisation. Absolute horrid

Great for exploring our city!

There’s a lot of historic locations around me that I didn’t even know about! I love how it gives you an arial view and also allows you to find it with augmented reality! It’s also great that each entry has a wiki description as well as easy access by clicking to view even more information. Love this app and can’t wait to explore my city with the family!

If there is anything I’d like to add, it would be a way to filter location a on the map by date. Otherwise awesome app with lots of features
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Clunky, keeps freezing, amateurish.

Was looking forward to this, how disappointed I am.

Ironically for a history app, it’s like turning the clock back on computers fifteen years.

The interface is laggy, takes time to even show simple information.

Even for free it is not worth my time.

Perhaps someone will like it, but I’d recommend not wasting your money. Way overpriced, when not free, and not worth the time, when it is free.

Sorry.
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Terrible update

This new version is so difficult to use. Attempting to find something on the map is nearly impossible. Please go back to the way it was. I would have given a 5 star rating on the earlier version. This version is useless.

Response from developer

Please take a look at version 2.3, and let me know if you still have concerns.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is History Pointer?

History Pointer is a mobile application that provides a portable map of over 100,000 sites listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. It helps users discover and navigate to historic locations.

How much does History Pointer cost?

History Pointer is a paid application, available for $4.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscriptions mentioned.

What devices support History Pointer?

History Pointer is supported on iPhones and iPads. It is suitable for users aged 4 and above.

How often is History Pointer updated?

The latest version of History Pointer is 2.4.3, last updated on February 25, 2026. This indicates a history of regular updates to maintain the app's functionality and data.

What map options are available in History Pointer?

History Pointer offers users a choice of map views, including Apple Maps, USGS topographic maps, and NOAA nautical charts, providing flexibility for different exploration needs.

Does History Pointer have ads?

No, History Pointer does not contain advertisements. The app is ad-free, offering an uninterrupted user experience.

What kind of historical information does History Pointer provide?

History Pointer includes Wikipedia text excerpts and links for each historic site, offering users more context and details about the significance of the locations they discover.

How does the Augmented Reality feature work in History Pointer?

The Augmented Reality view in History Pointer helps identify historic sites that are nearby and can also guide users towards destinations that are further away, enhancing the discovery experience.