Antiquities Act
The Antiquities Act of 1906 (Pub. L. 59–209, 34 Stat. 225, 54 U.S.C. §§ 320301–320303) is a federal law passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 8, 1906. This legislation serves as a primary legal mechanism for the preservation of significant sites within the United States.
The Act grants the President of the United States the specific authority to create national monuments from federal lands through presidential proclamation. These designations are intended to protect features that possess significant:
- Natural characteristics
- Historic significance
- Scientific value
Since its enactment, the Antiquities Act has been utilized more than a hundred times to establish a wide variety of protected areas, ensuring the preservation of diverse and culturally important landscapes.
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