One of the most remarkable achievements of the United States is the creation of the National Park System. While most people are familiar with National Parks, there’s another important designation: National Monuments. But what exactly are they, and why do we have different categories for protecting nature?
National Monuments come in a wide range of forms, from the striking volcanic landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument to historically significant locations like the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Currently, there are 133 National Monuments spread across the United States.
What are National Monuments?
So, what sets National Monuments apart from National Parks? The distinction mostly lies in what they aim to protect. National Parks are primarily dedicated to areas of scenic, inspirational, educational, and recreational value. In contrast, National Monuments focus on protecting sites of historical, cultural, and scientific interest. However, the lines often blur between the two.
Another key difference is in their creation and management. Establishing a National Park requires an act of Congress, making their designation difficult to reverse. National Parks are always managed by the National Park Service. National Monuments, however, can be designated by either Congress or the President under the Antiquities Act (54 U.S.C. § 320301), and they can be managed by various federal agencies.
Where are National Monuments?
National Monuments are located in 32 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Minor Outlying Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Arizona and California boast the highest number, with 18 each, followed by New Mexico with 13. Over the years, 17 Presidents have established National Monuments, with Barack Obama setting aside the most federal land for protection.
Four National Monuments have also been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
– Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
– Statue of Liberty
– Poverty Point National Monument
– Aztec Ruins National Monument
The largest National Monuments are oceanic marine sites:
– Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
– Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument
– Marianas Trench Marine National Monument
– Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
– Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
Who Manages National Monuments?
Different from National Parks, which the National Park Service always manages, National Monuments can be overseen by one of eight federal agencies. Most—86 in total—are managed by the National Park Service, while others fall under the Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and several other agencies.
The First U.S. National Monument
The distinction of the first U.S. National Monument goes to Devil’s Tower in Eastern Wyoming, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 under the Antiquities Act. This act allowed him to swiftly protect this iconic landmark, which remains an inspiration for many and an important site for Native Americans.
Can National Monuments Become National Parks?
Many of the original 133 National Monuments have since evolved. Over the years, 31 National Monuments have been upgraded to National Parks, enhancing their levels of protection. Others have transitioned into different types of parks, such as preserves and historic parks, or have been absorbed into larger parks.
Former National Monuments
Here’s a brief look at some former National Monuments and what they became:
– Arches National Monument became Arches National Park in 1971
– Capitol Reef National Monument became Capitol Reef National Park in 1971
– Grand Canyon National Monument became Grand Canyon National Park in 1919
– Joshua Tree National Monument became Joshua Tree National Park in 1994
Full List of National Monuments
For a complete list of National Monuments and their managing agencies, a searchable and sortable table is available to help you find specific monuments or see which state they’re in.
By understanding and appreciating the distinctions between National Parks and National Monuments, we gain deeper insight into the diverse and rich heritage protected by the United States.
