On this day, 106 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act, officially An Act for the Preservation of American Antiquities. This act essentially made way for the creation and preservation of many important landmarks of our history– creating such places as the Grand Canyon National Monument. To read the Antiquities Act in full, click here. By giving the U.S. President authority to restrict the use of particular public land owned by the federal government, we have created over 50 National Parks and about 130 monuments since the act was signed. Although this act has sparked controversy in the past, it has given U.S. citizens many vacation destinations that provide both enjoyment, as well as a better understanding of our nation’s history. When deciding where to go using your vacation hours this summer, consider visiting one of our nation’s beautiful monuments or national parks.