National Monument Support Letters

Western Local Elected Officials Support Potential National Monuments in Their Backyards and Call on President Biden to Designate More National Monuments Through The Use of the Antiquities Act

In 1906, Congress passed the Antiquities Act, which created the first national historic preservation policy for the United States and ensured that the president can designate national monuments to protect natural, cultural, and historic sites, as well as waters and lands of great scientific value.

Since the act was passed, 18 presidents - nine Democratic and nine Republican - have designated or expanded over 160 national monuments across the country. Presidents have exercised their authority under the Antiquities Act to create many iconic monuments including the Statue of Liberty, Bears Ears, Grand Canyon, Giant Sequoia, Muir Woods, Great Sand Dunes, Chimney Rock, among others.