How does an area become a national monument? To be established by the President, the area must meet the criteria of the Antiquities Act (54 U.S.C § 320301), including having objects of historic or scientific interest located on land already owned or controlled by the Federal government.

In the United States, a National Monument is designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906, which grants the President the authority to protect "historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest." The primary legal requirement is that the land must already be owned or controlled by the Federal Government. Unlike National Parks, which require an Act of Congress, monuments can be created quickly via presidential proclamation. The Act also specifies that the reserved area must be "the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected." In 2026, these designations often involve extensive "public scoping" and consultation with local, state, and Tribal governments to ensure the site's cultural and ecological values are preserved for future generations.