Public Lands, Science, and History

Abstract

This chapter explores legislation surrounding American public lands set aside for cultural and historic preservation during the first decade of the twentieth century. It discusses how the Antiquities Act was a landmark in public land policy. Although it followed the well-worn path of giving the executive the authority to reserve public lands from divestment in order to serve national objectives, its four hundred words contained several important new features. Additionally, the Antiquities Act was the first time that Congress unequivocally declared, in legislation of general application, that scientific inquiry was a sufficient reason by itself to hold lands in public ownership. From that point forward, science played an increasing role in public land policy, and eventually, Congress made heeding the teachings of science part of the mandate of all agencies managing public lands.