06/08/2026
Happy 120th birthday to the Antiquities Act! 🥳
The Antiquities Act was signed into law on June 8, 1906 and authorized all future presidents to protect historic landmarks or objects of “scientific interest” on public lands as national monuments. National Monuments are one of the most effective ways to permanently protect public lands. This law has preserved outdoor access for local communities, historical sites, clean drinking water, wildlife habitat and much more.
Since the Antiquities Act was passed, 18 presidents have used the tool to protect nearly 160 important historical, archeological, or public lands across the nation. Many iconic landscapes were first protected under the Antiquities Act, such as Grand Canyon National Park (1908) and Great Sand Dunes National Park (1932). In 2014, president Barack Obama used his authority under the Antiquities Act to create the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. President Biden expanded the monument in 2024.
On the anniversary of the Antiquities Act, we are proud to stand with local communities, tribes, and environmental leaders in supporting the designation of more national monuments and the protection of current ones. As the current administration attempts to erode protections of public lands, you can help! Click the link in our bio to support Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from current attacks and to sign our petition to call for adequate funding and resources for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Angeles National Forest.
📸 of The San Gabriel Mountains by Michael Gasbarro
📸 of Grand Staircase-Escalante by Mason Cummings
