Antiquities Act of 1906

by on June 8, 2025 with No Comments

The Antiquities Act of 1906 has protected scores of culturally and archeologically significant landscapes through National Monument designations. Today marks the 119th anniversary of this important federal law. What National Monument is on your wish list to visit?

Established by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Antiquities Act of 1906 gave acting U.S. presidents the authority to set aside culturally and archeologically significant sites as National Monuments.

In the first four years of the Antiquities Act, 27 sites were protected, with a total of 170 National Monuments established since 1906.

June 8, 1906 marks the 119th anniversary of the creation of the Antiquities Act. Over 18.6 million acres have been preserved through the Act, including designations in 33 states. California has the most National Monuments.

National Monuments are a layer of added protection over existing federal lands. Any private lands within a monument boundary are excluded from these protections.

U.S. presidents have authority to create monuments and they can also expand them. The Act never contemplated extinguishing a national monument designation. This is being considered under the Trump Administration.

The Antiquities Act faces significant challenges from political pressure and climate change. Protecting National Monuments is crucial for our cultural heritage and environment.

Protected lands provide connection with our shared histories, vital ecosystem services, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. They ensure a healthier planet and promote biodiversity.

Community involvement is crucial for preserving the Antiquities Act. Together, we can advocate for protection, raise awareness, and ensure our natural heritage remains intact for future generations.

Your voice matters!

Take action today to ensure the preservation of our Antiquities Act monuments for future generations.

Tell us in the comments:

Which National Monuments or Parks have you visited, and how were you impacted?

A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the San Gabriel National Monument, California. Below the photo it says: Established by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Antiquities Act of 1906 gave acting U.S. presidents the authority to set aside culturally and archeologically significant sites as National Monuments.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Petrified National Monument (now National Park), Arizona. Below the photo it says: In the first four years of the Antiquities Act, 27 sites were protected, with a total of 170 National Monuments established since 1906.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyoming. Below the photo it says: June 8, 1906 marks the 119th anniversary of the creation of the Antiquities Act. Over 18.6 million acres have been preserved through the Act, including designations in 33 states. California has the most National Monuments.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyoming. Below the photo it says: June 8, 1906 marks the 119th anniversary of the creation of the Antiquities Act. Over 18.6 million acres have been preserved through the Act, including designations in 33 states. California has the most National Monuments.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Navajo National Monument, Arizona. Below the photo it says: U.S. presidents have authority to create monuments and they can also expand them. The Act never contemplated extinguishing a national monument designation. This is being considered under the Trump Administration.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Olympic National Monument (now National Park), Washington. Below the photo it says: The Antiquities Act faces significant challenges from political pressure and climate change. Protecting National Monuments is crucial for our cultural heritage and environment.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Colorado National Monument, Colorado. Below the photo it says: Protected lands provide connection with our shared histories, vital ecosystem services, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. They ensure a healthier planet and promote biodiversity.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah. Below the photo it says: Community involvement is crucial for preserving the Antiquities Act. Together, we can advocate for protection, raise awareness, and ensure our natural heritage remains intact for future generations.
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Colorado. Below the photo it says: Tell us in the comments: Which National Monuments or Parks have you visited, and how were you impacted?
A brown background with the HFE logo upper right and a header that reads Celebrating Antiquities Act of 1906. There is a photo and label of the Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona. Below the photo it says: Your voice matters! Take action today to ensure the preservation of our Antiquities Act monuments for future generations.