HAMPTON — President Barack Obama is being asked to make Fort Monroe a national monument under the Antiquities Act after the Army vacates in September, a much faster process than establishing a national park.
But little is known about a process that has been available to presidents since 1906.
"It requires an executive order from the president. It isn't often used," said Hampton Mayor Molly Joseph Ward, who said the process is relatively unknown.
Ward, who heads a Fort Monroe Authority committee that is making the legislation case for a national park, said she'd be "delighted" if Obama stepped in. However, she said the longer term drive for a full national park would likely continue. Both routes are being explored in tandem.
Ward said there are a number of national monuments that later became national parks, such as Bryce Canyon in Utah.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation describes the Antiquities Act as a "critically important tool for the preservation of our public lands."
The body also answers some questions about National Monuments.
Who was the first president to make a proclamation setting up a national monument?
Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to use the Antiquities Act, designating 18 monuments in nine states.
How many national monuments have been created by presidents?
Between 1906 and the start of 2009, 15 presidents took advantage of the act to create 121 national monuments. The only presidents not to create any monuments were Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Have national monuments later become national parks?
Yes. Nearly a quarter of monuments now in the National Park system were initially designated under the Antiquities Act, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
What's the advantage over a national park?
Primarily time. A presidential proclamation has immediate effect, whereas it could take years for Congress to set up a national park at Fort Monroe.
Are there any restrictions?
The designation can only be used on federally owned or controlled lands. Private and state lands may be located within the boundary of the national monument, but the designation only applies for federal lands. Much of Fort Monroe will revert to the commonwealth of Virginia in September, but three areas do not automatically revert away from federal ownership.
What about size?
The president designates the size of the national monument. They have ranged in size from one acre to millions of acres, the National Trust for Historic Preservation says.
Which agencies run National Monuments?
The president can make the decision and more than one may be involved. Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument in Arizona is co-managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
What about existing rights?
A presidential proclamation does not affect the state's jurisdiction with respect to fish and wildlife management or existing rights such as oil or gas leases.
What are some famous national monuments?
Devil's Tower, Wyoming; Petrified Forest, Arizona; Bryce Canyon, Utah; Casa Grande ruins, Arizona; Fort Pulaski, Georgia; Giant Sequoia, California; U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef.
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Want to know more?
For more information about national monuments in the United States and its territories, go to the website of the Bureau of Land Management at http://www.blm.gov or the National Park Service at http://www.nps.gov and search for National Monuments. You can search by region or state.