The Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures started accommodating the public in 1875. It holds much historical value in the United States since it is the second oldest zoo. Being so, it offers a lot of valuable antique collections. That and its contribution to the care for the endangered species gave it the recognition as the home of the last passenger pigeon, Martha.

The Passenger Pigeon Memorial where Martha lived is one of the zoo's oldest existing structures together with the Herbivore or Elephant House and the Reptile House, which is actually the oldest living zoo structure in the United States.

It was declared as a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987.

Today, this historic landmark continues to offer its landscape and recreational functions to the public.