Kara Sears
The Antiquities Act, enacted in 1906, was the first federal law in the United States recognizing the importance and value of places and objects that represent the country's history and prehistory. The Act provided protection for archaeological and historic sites, and authorized the President to establish national monuments to preserve and protect these important areas. The cliff dwellings in southwest Colorado were a significant factor in the passage of the law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Law | The Antiquities Act |
| Year of Enactment | 1906 |
| Enactment Date | June 8, 1906 |
| Enacting Authority | 59th Congress and President Theodore Roosevelt |
| Purpose | Recognizing and protecting the importance and value of places and objects that represent the country's history and prehistory |
| Authorizing Provision | Gave the President authority to establish national monuments to help preserve and protect historic and prehistoric areas |
| Significance | Recognized as the first federal law in the United States for historical preservation |
| Impact | Led to the creation of ten national monuments in Colorado, nine of which still exist today |
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What You'll Learn
The Antiquities Act, 1906
The Antiquities Act of 1906, also known as the American Antiquities Act of 1906, was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 8, 1906, during his second term in office. The Act was the first U.S. law to provide general legal protection for cultural and natural resources of historic or scientific interest on federal lands. It established that the preservation of archaeological and historical sites on public lands is in the federal government's purview and in the public's interest.
The Antiquities Act grew out of concerns that developed over the course of the last quarter of the 19th century for the preservation of America's archaeological sites and the artifacts and information they contained. Scientists funded by the federal government or private benefactors began expeditions to study archaeological areas and form collections for museums and other institutions. At the same time, private citizens collected objects in haphazard ways and sold them for personal gain. Concern over the loss of information galvanized a scientific and political coalition to pass a federal law to preserve America's archaeological places and their contents on public lands.
The Act obligated federal agencies that manage public lands to preserve the historic, scientific, commemorative, and cultural values of the archaeological and historical sites and structures on these lands. It also authorized the President to protect landmarks, structures, and objects of historic or scientific interest by designating them as national monuments. The Act has been used more than a hundred times since its enactment to create a wide variety of protected areas, including Grand Canyon National Park (1908) and Acadia National Park (1916).
The Antiquities Act has been praised by several groups for its ability to protect important sites, including The Wilderness Society, the National Parks Conservation Association, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since the Act became law, all but three presidents (Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush) have chosen to enlarge or dedicate new national monuments. The Act was amended twice, in 1950 and 1980, to require Congressional approval for any future national monuments created or enlarged in Wyoming and Alaska, respectively.
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Historic Preservation Plan
The City of Colorado Springs was established by General William J. Palmer in 1871 as "The Fountain Colony". Over the next 150 years, the city grew and changed, altering its landscape. To protect and preserve the city's unique and varied history, Colorado Springs employs overlay zoning. Properties zoned with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay are subject to additional review prior to any construction or modification. Property owners must apply for a Historic Preservation General Application and specify the changes they wish to make. The Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board reviews and decides on these applications.
The Historic Preservation Board is a seven-member board appointed by the City Council to promote historic preservation and ensure the built environment of Colorado Springs is preserved. The board provides information and education on preservation topics, advises the City Council on preservation matters, and reviews Requests for Acceptability. The seven members are appointed for three-year terms and may only serve two consecutive terms.
In addition to the review by the Historic Preservation Board, properties may also be listed on the State and/or National Registers of Historic Places. To be listed, properties must meet specific criteria and, if also overlay-zoned, are subject to review by the Historic Preservation Board. The State Register of Historic Places is maintained by the Colorado State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), while the National Register of Historic Places is kept by the National Park Service.
The Colorado Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation works to preserve historic buildings and archaeological sites by distributing information about the importance of preservation and how the public can get involved. The office has developed "multiple property listings", which categorise historically designated properties by building type, geographic location, or other categories. Additionally, the OAHP administers a Colorado State Income Tax credit program for the rehabilitation and restoration of historic buildings, which can be more expensive than new construction. By rehabilitating and reusing historic buildings, construction waste is reduced, the demand for new materials is lessened, and history is preserved.
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Historic Preservation Board
The first law for historic preservation in Colorado seems to be the Gaming Amendment to the Colorado Constitution, passed in 1991. The state also has a Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board, which meets at least thrice a year and is open to the public. The board consists of at least five people, the majority of whom are recognised professionals in history, archaeology, architectural history, and architecture. Members are appointed by the History Colorado Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Executive Director of History Colorado. The Colorado Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation works to preserve historic buildings and archaeological sites, and also distributes information about the importance of preservation and how the public can get involved.
City of Colorado Springs
The City of Colorado Springs also has its own Historic Preservation Board, consisting of seven members appointed by the City Council. The board promotes historic preservation and ensures that the built environment of Colorado Springs is preserved. The city also employs overlay zoning to protect and preserve the town's unique and varied history. Properties zoned with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay are required to undergo additional review prior to any construction or modification. Property owners must apply for a Historic Preservation General Application and specify the changes they wish to make. This application is then reviewed and decided by the Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board.
Criteria for Historic Resources
The City of Colorado Springs also outlines criteria for classifying properties as historic resources. These include properties that have a special character or historic value, are associated with an event or person of historical significance, or exemplify the cultural, political, economic, or social heritage of the community.
Tax Credits
The rehabilitation and restoration of historic properties in Colorado can be expensive, but there are tax credits available to offset some of the costs. The Colorado State Income Tax Credit is administered by the OAHP in Denver, and there are also federal tax credits available for historic rehabilitation.
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National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of historic places in the United States that are deemed worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. The National Register initially consisted of the National Historic Landmarks designated before the Register's creation, as well as any other historic sites in the National Park System.
The National Register of Historic Places has grown considerably from its legislative origins in 1966. In 1986, citizens and groups nominated 3,623 separate properties, sites, and districts for inclusion on the National Register, a total of 75,000 separate properties. If approved, the property is entered officially by the Keeper of the National Register into the National Register of Historic Places. Property owners are notified of the nomination during the review by the SHPO and the state's historic review commission.
In Colorado, the City of Colorado Springs employs overlay zoning to protect and preserve the town's unique and varied history. Properties zoned with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay are required to undergo additional review prior to any construction or modification. Property owners apply for a Historic Preservation General Application and specify the changes they wish to make. This Application is reviewed and decided by the Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board. After the Board has approved the proposed work, the property owner is then free to obtain a building permit.
Properties may also be listed on the State and/or National Registers of Historic Places. Properties must meet specific criteria to be listed but are not subject to review by the Historic Preservation Board unless also overlay-zoned. The Colorado Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, which works to preserve historic buildings and archaeological sites, distributes information about the importance of preservation and how the public can get involved. The Colorado State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) administers the State Register of Historic Places.
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Historic Preservation Commission
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Colorado works to preserve the state's unique history, architecture, and archaeology. The SHPO is responsible for reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, maintaining data on historic properties, and consulting with federal agencies. The Colorado SHPO also manages the State Historical Fund and federal and state rehabilitation tax credits, providing incentives for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings.
The City of Colorado Springs employs overlay zoning to protect and preserve its history. Properties zoned with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay are subject to additional review by the Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board before any construction or modification. The Board promotes historic preservation and ensures compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Central City also has a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), a six-member board appointed by the City Council. The HPC maintains and enhances Central City's historical, architectural, and geographic heritage by reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness within the National Historic Landmark District.
The Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) provides information about the importance of preservation and encourages public involvement. The OAHP also offers tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic structures.
The State of Colorado, its cities, and their respective Historic Preservation Boards and Commissions work together to protect and preserve the state's history, architecture, and archaeology.
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Frequently asked questions
The Antiquities Act, enacted in 1906, was the first federal law in the US for historical preservation.
The Antiquities Act was the first federal law in the US that recognised the importance and value of places and objects that represent the country's history and prehistory.
The Antiquities Act provided protection to archaeological and historic sites. It also gave the President the authority to establish national monuments to preserve and protect these important areas.
The cliff dwellings in southwest Colorado were a significant factor in the passage of the Antiquities Act. As some of the first major archaeological sites, they highlighted the need for protection and preservation.
Other laws enacted for historical preservation in the US include the Historic Sites Act (1935), National Historic Preservation Act (1966), National Environmental Policy Act (1969), Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act (1974), and several others.
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