National Monument

A national monument is a protected area designated by a government to preserve significant natural features, cultural sites, or historical landmarks. In the United States, the President can declare national monuments under the Antiquities Act. These areas are established to protect their unique value for future generations, potentially including landscapes, fossils, archaeological sites, and wildlife habitats. Unlike national parks, which typically require more extensive legislative processes for establishment, national monuments can be created more quickly to safeguard important sites from development or degradation.