National and Cultural Resources
Evolution of Federal Laws
1872 — The Yellowstone National Park Act created the world’s first national park, setting aside public land for public enjoyment. 1906 — The Antiquities Act established a permitted archeological excavation and research program and authorized presidential designation of national monuments. 1916 — The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service in the US Department of the Interior with responsibility for current and future national parks and monuments. 1933 — The Reorganization Act transferred a number of national memorials, parks, and monuments to the Park Service, virtually doubling the size of the agency overnight. 1935 —…
