The act authorized the president to designate as national monuments historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest on federal lands. Laceys report to congress became the basis for the antiquities act, which was signed into law by president theodore roosevelt on june 8, 1906. Aug 22, 2016 the antiquities act was passed by congress in 1906 and signed into law by president teddy roosevelt in an effort to preserve american land after the pillage and destruction of a number of native american and archaeological sites in the southwest united states. Monuments protected under the antiquities act national parks. President trumps assault on the antiquities act signals. It is officially known as an act for the preservation of american antiquities. The antiquities act and how theodore roosevelt shaped it francis p. It officially declares congress support for the 51 national monuments established by presidents in both parties between january 1996 and april 2017 under their authority established by the antiquities act of 1906. The antiquities act of 1906 is among the most important of american conservation and preservation. National monument designations, under the antiquities act of 1906, are meant to ensure the proper care and management of historic landmarks and other objects of historic or scientific interest.
These curio seekers took away artifacts and destroyed some the of the ruins in order to sell ancient antiquities. Born of concerns about the looting of archaeological sites and of the american progressive movements belief in the betterment of society through active governmental involvement, the antiquities act of 1906 defined the study of archaeology as a scientific endeavor and resulted in the protection of 167 million acres of cultural and natural environments. Apr 20, 2006 this book proved immesely useful in a research paper i had to write. May 23, 2008 since 1906, presidents, both democratic and republican, have used the authority of the antiquities act to proclaim 125 national monuments covering nearly 100 million acres of federal public lands. It will soon be released as a book by the university of illinois press. Apr 2017 park advocates sent messages to congress urging them to oppose any bills or amendments that intend to undermine the antiquities act, or prevent the preservation of areas designated under the antiquities act. Start studying apush ch 22 the progressive era 18891920. Oct 26, 2017 specifically, the bill aims to totally gut the antiquities act, the 1906 legislation that enables the executive branch to unilaterally protect publicly owned land by declaring national monuments. History of the antiquities act part 1 the beginning of. Urge congress to support the antiquities act, safeguarding americas special places, and oppose any amendments or bills to undermine this important law and the future preservation of and access to our national heritage. The book was fiction but based on the things sinclair had seen. Antiquities act of 1906 constitutional law reporter.
Mar 25, 2015 the antiquities act dates back to 1906 and gives the president power to declare historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest. Enacted in 1906, the antiquities act gives the president the ability to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the. Pure food and drug act forbade the manufacture or sale of mislabeled or adulterated food or drugs, it gave the government broad powers to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs in order to abolish the patent drug trade. A century of american archaeology, historic preservation, and nature conservation. Antiquities act of 1906, officially, an act for the preservation of american antiquities, was the first federal general historic preservation law.
Obamas national monuments are about more than conservation. Jan, 2017 the antiquities act of 1906 is one of our nations most important conservation tools. The 1906 antiquities act gives presidents unilateral power to protect land as. It was the first legislation designed to protect and preserve historic landmarks, cultural sites, and objects of scientific interest within the united states. Antiquities act updates national trust for historic. This is a collection of documents related to the history and use of the antiquities act of 1906, the first federal statute for the general preservation of archaeological, cultural, historic, and scientific resources. The antiquities act of 1906 is one of our nations most important conservation tools. Congress latest attack on the antiquities act is not about national parks. The antiquities act and why trump wants to change it the. Senators introduce antiquities act to protect national.
Jun 26, 2016 washington using his authority under the 1906 antiquities act more frequently than any president in history, president obama has set aside more than 3. Obamas five new national monuments set a us record for land. Antiquities act of 1906 september 22, 2016 thank you for the opportunity to provide the views of the administration on three billss. The text of this article was originally published in the theodore roosevelt association journal, volume xxxii, number 3, summer 2011, pages 2438, and is reprinted here using a selection of the original illustrations with permission. The provisions of the act are codified at 16 uscs 431433. What history tells us about obamas antiquities act legacy by john freemuth and mackenzie case, boise state university november 22, 2016, 12. Congress latest attack on the antiquities act is not about. The antiquities act was passed by congress in 1906 and signed into law by president teddy roosevelt in an effort to preserve american land after the pillage and destruction of a number of native american and archaeological sites in the southwest united states. The monumental legacy of the antiquities act of 1906 by. Antiquities act has been used 145 times to protect iconic lands. Such monuments include stonewall in new york city, dinosaur in utah, and muir woods in california, among many others. The president of the united states is authorized, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and. The antiquities act and why trump wants to change it.
The antiquities act of 1906 gives us presidents the authority to set aside. Since president theodore roosevelt signed it into law in 1906, the antiquities act has served as one of our countrys most powerful and successful preservation tools. The heart of the antiquities act of 1906 is a mere two sentences. Presidents, eight republicans and eight democrats, to declare 149 national monuments. Thanks to the foresight of thirteen presidents, parks as diverse as acadia, grand canyon, and olympic national park, along with historic and archaeological sites such as. In a push to cement his environmental legacy, obama also expanded two. History of the antiquities act part 1 the beginning of conservation. Many archaeologists believe much was lost during this 15 year period that could have been used to understand more of the people here. Apr 26, 2017 the 1906 antiquities act, enacted under president theodore roosevelt, empowers the president to declare as national monuments any landmarks, structures and other objects of historic or. To protect the antiquities act, dont abuse it congressman. What is the antiquities act and why does president trump want. Monuments protected under the antiquities act national. In 1906, congress passed the general antiquities act.
The history of american conservation often is told in terms of legal milestones, and rightly so. Almost every president since teddy roosevelt has used the act to place extraordinary archaeological, historic and natural sites under protection and out of reach of commercial exploitation. An act for the preservation of american antiquities, approved june 8,1906 34 stat. What is the antiquities act and why does president trump. Apush ch 22 the progressive era 18891920 flashcards. Even if executive authority isnt sufficient to overturn the antiquities act, book says, congressional. Obamas five new national monuments set a us record for land protection. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the united states of america in congress. Pullman national monument in illinois was designated on february 19, 2015. The president is not authorized by congress to revoke monument designations. It laid the foundation for conservation and preservation laws passed through the 20th. Bishop has proposed a sweeping reform to the act, one that opponents say would break the landmark law and presidential. The antiquities act the digital archaeological record.
The monumental legacy of the antiquities act of 1906. Antiquities act national trust for historic preservation. When an object is situated on a parcel covered by a bona fide unperfected claim or held in private ownership, the parcel, or so much of the parcel as may be necessary for the proper care and management of the object, may be relinquished to the federal government and the secretary may accept the relinquishment of the parcel on behalf of the federal government. It protects all historic and prehistoric sites on federal lands and prohibits excavation or destruction of such antiquities unless a permit antiquities permit is obtained from the secretary of the department which has the jurisdiction over those lands. The antiquities act of 1906 and the controversy about it. What history tells us about obamas antiquities act legacy. This violation led to the federal antiquities act of 1906 that made it a crime to remove artifacts from archaeological sites. The antiquities act and how theodore roosevelt shaped it. With roosevelt as president, conservationists pushed for a national park. Antiquities act of 1906 south dakota historical society. The highs and lows of the antiquities act presidents unilateral power to create national monuments has led to fierce political brawls.
Department of the interiors economic report for fiscal year 2015. This is by far the best book on the antiquities act, since my research revealed that there are very few books on the subject. Obamas five new national monuments set a us record for. Used to safeguard and preserve federal lands and cultural and historical sites for all americans to enjoy, 16 presidents have designated 157 national monuments under this authority. Enacted in 1906, the antiquities act is one of the most important pieces of conservation legislation in american history and has had a farreaching influence on the preservation of our nationos cultural and natural heritage. It was controversial at the time of its enactment and continues to be so, but such is always the case with landmark legislation in a democratic society. The monumental legacy of the antiquities act of 1906 by mark. Lands and sites protected by presidents of both political parties using the authority of this law are among americas most extraordinary, including the grand canyon and the statue of lib. An act for the preservation of american antiquities, approved june 8, 1906 34 stat. How the antiquities act has expanded the national park system and. Antiquities act of 1906 national border, national park. Enactment of the antiquities act followed a 25year effort to ensure protection of american archaeological sites and other historic, natural, and scientific resources. See mark squillace, the monumental legacy of the antiquities act of 1906, 37 georgia l.
The antiquities act is one of the most important pieces of conservation legislation in our nations history, providing the president. Book written by muckraker ida tarbell as an expose of the standard oil company. Since its passage in 1906, this bipartisan law has been used by sixteen u. Apr 26, 2017 president theodore roosevelt, who signed the antiquities act into law, created 18 monuments, including the grand canyon and olympic national park in washington, totaling more than a million acres. Introduction on september 18, 1996, president bill clinton stood on the south rim of the grand canyon and announced the creation of the 1. This law gives the president of the united states the authority to, by presidential proclamation, create national monuments from. A controversy about the use of the antiquities act of 1906 has arisen with president clintons intention to preserve large amounts of federal land in the western united states. Winner of the state of new mexicos heritage preservation award in the category of heritage publication enacted in 1906, the antiquities act is one of the most important pieces of conservation legislation in american history and has had a farreaching influence on the.
But a good argument can be made that this brief law which authorizes the president to protect objects of historic or. The text, spirit, and 111year history of the antiquities act of 1906 militate against presidential power to revoke a national monument proclamation made by a. This is the th national monument that the president has signed into effect with the antiquities act of 1906. Enacted in 1906, the antiquities act gives the president the ability to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the federal government to be national monuments.
The monumental legacy of the antiquities act of 1906 mark squillace i. It did a wonderful job at providing key articles written on the history and effectiveness of the antiquities act after 100 years of being in existence. The antiquities act was signed into law in 1906 by president theodore roosevelt. National monuments are designated by presidents under a centuryold law called the antiquities act. Almost every president since teddy roosevelt has used the act to place extraordinary archaeological, historic and natural sites under protection and. Antiquities act law and legal definition uslegal, inc.
Lands and sites protected by presidents of both political parties using the authority of this law are among americas most extraordinary, including the grand canyon and the statue of liberty. Most monument advocates favor the antiquities act in its present form. His personal testimony was bolstered by a report by anthropologist edgar lee hewett that detailed the cultural and scientific value of. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Kris hirst our feature story looks into the origins of the antiquities act, placing it within the historical context of social movements in turn of thecentury. The act also states that the monuments shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects. Antiquities act its history and use this is a collection of documents related to the history and use of the antiquities act of 1906, the first federal statute for the general preservation of archaeological, cultural, historic, and scientific resources. The antiquities act of 1906 gives the president of the united states the power to designate lands and waters for permanent protection. After the cowboys publicized their discovery of the cliff dwellings tourists began to arrive.
But a good argument can be made that this brief law which authorizes the president to. Not everyone was thrilled by president obamas plan to designate another national monument in colorado, this time a 21,000acre area around the arkansas river called browns canyon. As settlers, prospectors, ranchers and explorers pushed into the. Tell congress to preserve and protect the antiquities act. This law gives the president of the united states the authority to, by presidential proclamation, create national monuments from federal lands to protect significant natural, cultural, or. The 1906 antiquities act, enacted under president theodore roosevelt, empowers the president to declare as.
Congress latest attack on the antiquities act is not. The origins of the antiquities act of 1906 provide an understanding of this back door method of establishing national parks. This project includes documents related to the history and historical background of the antiquities act and its implementation during the century since its enactment. The act, drafted by an archaeologist, gave the president the power to set aside objects and structures of historic and scientific interest as national monuments.
His personal testimony was bolstered by a report by anthropologist edgar lee hewett that detailed the cultural and scientific value of the sites. May 12, 2015 in 1906, congress passed the general antiquities act. A century of american archaeology, historic preservation, and nature conservation harmon, david, mcmanamon, francis p. The antiquities act centennial archaeology magazine archive. What does the law do, what changes in it does president trump want and what lands might be affected. The antiquities act of 1906 authorizes the president of the united states to declare by public proclamation, historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon federal lands. Lacey of iowa introduced the antiquities act after traveling to several sites in the southwestern united states that had been ravaged by pot hunters. After a generationlong effort, president theodore roosevelt signed the antiquities act on june 8, 1906. Apush ch 22 the progressive era 18891920 flashcards quizlet. This description of the act, as amended, tracks the language of the united states code except that following common usage we refer to the act meaning the act, as amended rather than to the subchapter or the title of the code. The antiquities act of 1906 defined the study of archaeology as a scientific endeavor and resulted in the protection of 167 million acres of cultural and natural environments. Mar 31, 2017 the heart of the antiquities act of 1906 is a mere two sentences.
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