What is the law on national monuments?

The Antiquities Act of 1906 is one of our nation's most important conservation tools. Used to safeguard and preserve federal lands and cultural and historical sites for all Americans to enjoy, 18 presidents have used this authority and have designated 161 national monuments.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

The Antiquities Act of 1906 is one of our nation's most important conservation tools. Used to safeguard and preserve federal lands and cultural and historical sites for all Americans to enjoy, 18 presidents have used this authority and have designated 161 national monuments.

MORE DETAILS

In the United States, a national monument is a protected area that can be created from any land owned or controlled by the federal government by proclamation of the president of the United States or an act of Congress.

MORE DETAILS

Iconic locations like Yosemite and Yellowstone attract visitors from all over the world, but our public lands are so much more than just the big 61 national parks. They're also scenic rivers, national marine monuments, national battlefields and wildernesses.

MORE DETAILS

A Pennsylvania law states that a person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he: (1) intentionally desecrates any public monument or structure, or place of worship or burial; or (2) intentionally desecrates any other object of veneration by the public or a substantial segment thereof in any public place; ...

MORE DETAILS

National monuments can either be established by Congress though legislation or by the president of the United States through the use of the Antiquities Act.

MORE DETAILS

Ticket details All visitors (including children ages 2+) must have a ticket to enter the Washington Monument. During peak season, tickets run out quickly. Expect a line to form at the ticket window wait long before the ticket window opens.

MORE DETAILS

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924.

MORE DETAILS

It allows the president of the United States to permanently reserve public lands with significant prehistoric, historic, or natural features. There are few statutory limits upon this power; the only restrictive clause in the law limits the monuments to the smallest area compatible with their management.

MORE DETAILS