Resource Jan 14, 2025

Monuments Protected Under the Antiquities Act

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 168 national monuments.


The table above includes all monuments that were created under the Antiquities Act through proclamations by 17 different Presidents. President Gerald Ford is not listed in the table, as he used the Antiquities Act to expand existing national monuments rather than create new ones.

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