American Antiquities Act of 1906

The American Antiquities Act of 1906 is a law that empowers the President of the United States to designate national monuments to protect significant natural, cultural, and historical sites. It was created to safeguard important landmarks from destruction or overuse. The Act allows presidents to quickly establish protected areas without needing approval from Congress, helping preserve America's heritage. Over time, it has been used to establish many well-known sites, such as the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore. The law strikes a balance between conservation and development, focusing on conserving important American natural and cultural resources for future generations.