- national monument
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a monument, as a historic site or geographical area, owned and maintained in the public interest by the federal government.[1905-10, Amer.]
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In the U.S., any of numerous areas reserved by the federal government for the protection of objects or places of historical, scientific, or prehistoric interest.They include natural physical features, remains of Indian cultures, and places of historical importance. In 1906 Pres. Theodore Roosevelt established the first national monument, Devils Tower, in Wyoming. They are administered by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior.* * *
▪ American protected areain the United States, any of numerous areas reserved by act of Congress or presidential proclamation for the protection of objects or places of historical, prehistoric, or scientific interest. They include natural physical features, remains of Indian cultures, and places of historical importance.In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national monument, Devils Tower in Wyoming (see photograph—>), under the American Antiquities Act passed earlier that year. Many more were added during the next few years. Their jurisdiction, originally assigned to several agencies, was unified in 1933 under the National Park Service in the Department of the Interior.* * *
Universalium. 2010.