Rigell Commends Decision to Use Antiquities Act to Preserve Fort Monroe

Statement

Today, Representative Scott Rigell (VA-02) commended the decision to declare Fort Monroe a National Monument through the Antiquities Act of 1906, a key step in Fort Monroe's journey to becoming a National Park. Since taking office in January, Rigell has worked with local and federal officials to speed up the process of designating Fort Monroe as a National Park and, separate from his legislative efforts, has petitioned the Executive Branch to use its power to aid in this process.

"Fort Monroe is a truly unique place," said Rigell. "It tells the story of America's painful journey with slavery, and this poignant story must be preserved to pass to future generations of Americans. I am pleased that the President sees its historic value and is taking steps to protect it, and I will continue to push for its designation as a national park."

"Our community and elected leaders are united in seeing that this historic place is preserved for future generations, and I'm honored to be a part of that."

In a letter to the President earlier this year, Rigell and fellow Hampton Roads Representatives Randy Forbes, Bobby Scott, and Rob Wittman requested the Antiquities Act be used to preserve Ft. Monroe: "The historical importance of Fort Monroe is not in dispute. … We request that you use all powers at your disposal to expedite this designation."

Rigell said he will continue to push for a hearing on legislation to create a National Park Service unit at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. His legislation, H.R. 2456, the Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act, would secure permanent protection of the Fort and offer the full visitor experience that the National Park Service provides.

Rigell noted that the President's action is a good first step toward achieving this goal, as many of our country's National Parks started out with a National Monument designation, and a Presidential declaration is often the first step in creating a new National Park. According to the National Park Service, national park and national monuments "differ primarily in the reasons for which they are established."

National parks are areas set apart by Congress for the use of the people because of some outstanding scenic feature or natural phenomena. The purpose of a national park is both to provide historic preservation and public access for recreational and educational purposes. National monuments, on the other hand, are areas reserved by the national government for their intrinsic prehistoric or scientific value and are not necessarily always focused on providing for public access.

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