New welcome signs will be placed around Lancaster County soon, proudly showing off the county's recent award.

"Preserve America," the sign reads. "Welcome to Lancaster County. Explore and Enjoy our Heritage."

Lancaster County was recently awarded a designation as a "Preserve America Community." The award came after nearly a year-and-a-half of hard work, said Nancy Howell, the resource director for Lancaster County's tourism center, See Lancaster.

The "Preserve America Community" distinction designates counties and communities that preserve their local historical assets and promotes historical tourism and education. Howell wrote the application for "Preserve America," including information about the county's role in American history, noting the historical sites in Lancaster County, including Andrew Jackson State Park in Indian Land, and how the county is working to preserve and protect those sites.

One of the major benefits to being a Preserve America Community, Howell said, is the grant possibilities available. This year, more than $7 million in grants will be available, she added.

"It says so much for Lancaster," said Lancaster County Council Chairman Rudy Carter. "It will open up a lot of areas for grants, and that's really what it's all about."

Any grant money will likely be used for help with the planning and implementing of the Carolina Thread Trail project. Howell said she would also be interested in using grant money to help promote tourism around Lancaster County's historical sites, including the Great Wagon Trail at Andrew Jackson State Park and notable areas in Catawba Indian history.

"One of the first things we need to do in Lancaster County is to move into the area of tourism," Howell said. "We need to identify the sites using a branding code throughout the county that would identify where a tourist could come into the county and recognize the historical sites. [We need a] color-coded system throughout the county."

As part of the award, Lancaster County received one sign to place in the county denoting its new distinction. Howell said she expects to order several more signs, however, and will place them at various entrances to the county.

"It's just one thing that makes it a little more obvious that we really do care," Howell said.