National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 is a federal law that aims to preserve and protect the nation's historic and cultural resources, including those related to Native American tribes, such as the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. The law was enacted by the 89th United States Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 15, 1966, with the support of Lady Bird Johnson and Stewart Udall, the United States Secretary of the Interior. This legislation built upon earlier preservation efforts, including the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Historic Sites Act of 1935, which were championed by Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Introduction

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was a response to the growing concern about the loss of historic properties and cultural resources in the United States, particularly in the wake of urban renewal projects and the construction of Interstate Highway System routes, such as Interstate 95 and Interstate 10. The law recognized the importance of preserving historic sites, such as Independence Hall and Monticello, and cultural landscapes, like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, which are managed by the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. It also acknowledged the role of Native American tribes, such as the Hopi Tribe and the Zuni Tribe, in the preservation of their cultural heritage, including Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.

Legislative History

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was introduced by Henry M. Jackson, a senator from Washington (state), with the support of Ted Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey. The bill was referred to the United States Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, which held hearings and markups before reporting the bill to the full Senate, where it was debated by Everett Dirksen and Mike Mansfield. The House of Representatives also considered the bill, with input from John F. Kennedy's former secretary of the interior, Stewart Udall, and Lady Bird Johnson's beautification initiatives, which included the Highway Beautification Act.

Provisions and Amendments

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places, which is maintained by the National Park Service in cooperation with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. The law also authorized the Secretary of the Interior to designate National Historic Landmarks, such as Fenway Park and the Golden Gate Bridge, and to provide funding for historic preservation projects, including those related to African American history, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Amendments to the law have expanded its scope to include the preservation of historic districts, such as the French Quarter and Savannah Historic District, and cultural landscapes, like the Tongass National Forest and the Adirondack Park.

Impact and Implementation

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 has had a significant impact on the preservation of historic properties and cultural resources in the United States, with the support of organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council. The law has helped to protect historic sites, such as Gettysburg National Military Park and Pearl Harbor, and cultural landscapes, like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Natchez Trace Parkway, which are managed by the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. It has also promoted the preservation of historic districts, such as the Gaslamp Quarter and the Charleston Historic District, and encouraged the development of historic preservation programs at the state and local levels, including those in California, New York (state), and Texas.

Section 106 Review Process

The Section 106 review process, which is administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impacts of their actions on historic properties and cultural resources, including those related to Native American tribes, such as the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. This process involves consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and other stakeholders, including the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service, to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects on historic properties, such as the Alamo and the Statue of Liberty. The Section 106 review process has been used to protect historic sites, such as Monticello and Mount Vernon, and cultural landscapes, like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, which are managed by the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.