The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the President of the United States to designate national monuments with the goal of guarding "objects of historic or scientific interest." As of 2010, more than 100 national monuments have been designated, both by the President and Congress. National monuments may be man-made or natural. Government agencies such as the National Park Service, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are responsible for regulating and managing national monuments.
Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is regulated by both the BLM and the National Park Service. Covering 1,054,264 acres, the Grand Canyon is home to multiple climate types, varying from desert lowlands to aspen-covered peaks. The monument is accessible from Nevada, Utah and Arizona, and is open year round.
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
345 E. Riverside Drive
St. George, UT 84790
435-688-8200
nps.gov
Dedicated on October 28, 1886 as a gift from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty was designated as a national monument in 1924. Designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was assembled on Bedloe's Island in the New York harbor, which was later renamed Liberty Island. President Lyndon B. Johnson added Ellis Island to the national monument in 1965. A restoration project for the 100 anniversary of the statue was completed on July 5th, 1986. The Statue of Liberty is open daily, except December 25, as of 2010.
Statue of Liberty National Monument
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
212-363-3200
nps.gov
Located in Idaho, the Craters of the Moon National Monument is a naturally occurring volcanic formation designated as a national monument in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge. Covering the entire Great Rift volcanic zone, Craters of the Moon is home to many types of volcanic formations and wildlife. Throughout the location's history, Native American tribes, settlers, geologists and even training NASA astronauts have visited and utilized the area. As of 2010, Craters of the Moon is open year round, with the park closing on federal holidays during the winter.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
P.O. Box 29
Arco, ID 83213
208-527-1300
nps.gov
Located in Virginia's Westmoreland County, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument protects the childhood home of the first President of the United States. Born on the site in 1732, George Washington lived on the plantation until he was 3 years old before returning later in his life. The site features a visitor's center, Washington Family Burial Ground and numerous special events. The monument is open year round, with the facility being closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, as of 2010.
George Washington Birthplace
1732 Popes Creek Road
Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443
804-224-1732
nps.gov
