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Homestead certificate for a plot of land deeded to Charlie Morton, near Park Rapids, Minnesota. Signed on behalf of President Roosevelt by Frances M. McKean, a clerk in the General Land Office
Charlie Morton is an ancestor of Steven D. Easton, former president of Dickinson State University.
Francis P. McManamon examines the origins of the Antiquities Act of 1906 that President Theodore Roosevelt and his successors used to safeguard natural and scientific sites across the United States. McManamon asserts that it was threats to ancient archaeological sites across the American Southwest that led to calls for greater government intervention, and he highlights the case of the Casa Grande ruins in Arizona. McManamon notes the work of private organizations, government agencies, individuals, and members of Congress, most importantly Congressman John F. Lacey of Iowa, who worked to save important sites before the passage of the Antiquities Act. McManamon traces the slow path to passage of the Antiquities Act, and he highlights its important text and provisions. He notes how Roosevelt used the act to set aside eighteen national monuments, and he asserts that Roosevelt’s actions, especially in regards to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, set important precedents for his successors, especially President Bill Clinton.
Two photographs and two illustrations supplement the text.
Using Biblical parallels, George U. Young discusses the experiment of democratic government as a progressive expression of the minorities’ desires. He especially highlights the importance of having leaders who endeavor to stay on paths of “virtue and manliness.” He believes the Arizona Constitution is the most prominent expression of this experiment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-14
Associate Forester Potter informs Commissioner of the General Land Office Dennett that, because of the proclamation of President William H. Taft changing the boundaries of Monterey National Forest, Pinnacles National Monument is now surrounded by public domain rather than National Forest lands. Therefore, the area is now under the jurisdiction of the General Land Office. Potter encloses copies of correspondence relating to the National Monument and a report by Forest Inspector George Wilcox Peavy.
Pinnacles National Park
1911-02-18
President Roosevelt, using the authority of an act of Congress entitled “An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for other purposes,” reserves lands in California for the creation of the Pinnacles Forest Reserve. This proclamation also includes a plat map of Pinnacles Forest Reserve and a map of the Monterey Forest Reserve, which was established a month earlier.
Pinnacles National Park
1906-07-18
W. G. Steel seriously objects to having Crater Lake National Park used for the political benefit of one man, as he thinks the Cascade Range Forest Reserve has been used by Binger Herman, Commissioner of the General Land Office. Steel suggests that management of Crater Lake be turned over to the Geological Survey, where he thinks it will be honestly administered.
1902-06-23
President Roosevelt acknowledges an article sent to him by John Campbell Greenway. He has found someone suitable for the commissionership of the General Land Office in Richard Achilles Ballinger.
Arizona Historical Society
1907-01-30
Circular relating to historic and prehistoric ruins of the American southwest and their preservation under the General Land Office of the Department of the Interior.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1904
Philip Battell Stewart calls attention to a report by Special Inspector James W. Zevely regarding the Pueblo Land Office and charges against C. L. Hendershot.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-07
James W. Zevely, Special Inspector of the Interior Department, is preparing a report concerning the Pueblo Land Office that President Roosevelt might find helpful. Stewart adds that there is “no real enthusiasm” for John R. Gordon’s reappointment to the Pueblo Land Office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-04
The Commissioner of the General Land Office reviews the hiring practices at the Oregon forest reserves.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-28
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit to say that Nick and Alice Roosevelt Longworth are visiting and describe his walks with Edith. He says he is appointing John McIlhenny as Civil Service Commissioner and John Greenway will take the Commissionership of the Land Office. Roosevelt adds in a post script that he just learned he is to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
1906-12-01
President Roosevelt claims primary responsibility for appointments and the subsequent actions of appointees. Roosevelt wants to appoint “a thoroughly good type of man” and reserves the right to decide who meets this qualification. In this particular case, Roosevelt has decided that Knowles is too easily influenced and cannot be register at La Grande. Edward W. Davis has been selected for the La Grande position. The Register and Receiver at Lake View also need to be replaced and the Senators should send their recommendations at once.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-25
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs Florence Shuman Pearsall that Roosevelt will autograph a photograph sent postage paid.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-15
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary informs Elizabeth Nicolin Bolenbaugh that he cannot help her and recommends she contact the Commissioner of the Land Office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-19
President Roosevelt thanks Secretary of the Interior Garfield for the letter. He is glad Garfield is going to Maine, but tells him in confidence that he would not be surprised if a Democrat won the election there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-07
President Roosevelt is pleased to learn of the proposed cooperation between the General Land Office and the National Conservation Commission to help collect information on the amount and condition of the natural resources of the United States. Roosevelt asks Commissioner of the General Land Office Fred Dennet to allow the person delegated to this task to be relieved of other duties until they have finished their work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-02
Richard Achilles Ballinger has resigned as Commissioner of the General Land Office and, upon the recommendation of Secretary of the Interior James Rudolph Garfield, President Roosevelt has sent Assistant Commissioner Fred Dennett’s name to the Senate as Ballinger’s successor. Roosevelt understands that Dennett is a friend of Senator Hansbrough and that Hansbrough is willing to endorse Dennett.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-06
President Roosevelt notifies Secretary of the Interior Garfield that his executive order on public lands is cancelled because the United States Congress did not appropriate enough funds to carry out the order. The Commissioner of the General Land Office will attempt to act using the appropriated funds.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-12
With regret, President Roosevelt accepts Commissioner Richards resignation. Roosevelt thanks Richards for his ten years of service and wishes him well for the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-04