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Article: Land as legacy: 20th century American presidents left land as their contribution for future generations to enjoy.
- Article from:
- Parks & Recreation
- Article date:
- May 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 National Recreation and Park Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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When Richard Wetherill, a free-spirited rancher from Mancos, Colo., stumbled upon Cliff Palace in 1888, he was consumed by what he saw. He took great interest in the archeological site, and he quickly developed considerable skill and knowledge as both a hunter and seller of its treasures. His rapidly expanding business raised the ire of archeologists and anthropologists alike, and they pressured government officials to put a stop to the pilfering of America's heritage. It wasn't until June 8, 1906, however, that President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Act for the Preservation of American Antiquities, and few, if any, people in attendance appreciated the significance of ...