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“H.R. 901, THE AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY PROTECTION ACT” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2213-E2215 on Oct. 16, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
H.R. 901, THE AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY PROTECTION ACT
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HON. DON YOUNG
of alaska
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 16, 1998
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise to once again address the issue of international land reserves, particularly World Heritage Sites. I find it necessary to emphasize, for the benefit of those who continue to claim otherwise, that these reserves are designated with little or no input from the public or local government. They are very unpopular.
The Department of Interior, in cooperation with the Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage has identified a shopping list of 94 sites in 31 States and the District of Columbia that they would like to make World Heritage Sites. This list was compiled by the Department with the assistance of an ``inside'' non-governmental organization, the U.S. National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (US/ICOMOS). US/ICOMOS is also a principal advisor to the United Nations on the listing of cultural properties as World Heritage Sites. Twenty-two of the sites on the shopping list have been designated World Heritage Sites.
Congress is the ultimate decision-maker in managing public lands. The clear and direct approval of Congress and the input of local citizens and public officials must be required before land can be designated for inclusion in international land reserves. Let's maintain sovereign control over lands in the United States.
I wish to include in the Record the detailed descriptions of the cultural properties on the Department of Interior's list of future choices for World Heritage Sites. The complete list and other information on this important issue can be found on the Committee on Resources website at: http://www.house.gov/105cong/issues.htm.
Indicative Inventory of Potential Future U.S. Nominations to the World
Heritage List--Cultural properties
Prehistory and Living Communities (formerly Archaeology)
Post-Contract Aboriginal
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico (36 deg. 25' N.; 105 deg. 40' W.). A center of Indian culture since the 17th century, the pueblo of Taos, still active today, symbolizes Indian resistance to external rule. The mission of San Geronimo, one of the earliest in New Mexico, was built near Taos Pueblo in the early 17th century. Criteria: (v) An outstanding example of a traditional human settlement which is representative of a culture and which has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Post-Contract Aboriginal/Developed Agriculture
Pecos National Monument, New Mexico (35 deg. 35' N.; 105 deg. 45' W.). This site was occupied since before A.D. 900 up until the 19th century. The archaeological excavations of the area led to the development of a cultural sequence which in turn enabled the comparative dating of southwestern U.S. sites. This classification is the cornerstone of the understanding of Southwestern archaeology. In addition to the archaeology at Pecos, there are the foundations of a Spanish mission, the ruins of an 18th-century church, and numerous Pueblo Indian structural remains, including restored kivas. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Developed Agriculture
Moundville Site, Alabama (33 deg. 0' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). This is probably the site described by De Soto in his Mississippian expedition. This site demonstrates the Mesoamerican influence on the culture of the Southeast. It is a ``ceremonial'' site with over twenty extant mounds and burial areas. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Casa Grande National Monument, Arizona (33 deg. 0' N.; 111 deg. 30' W.). Casa Grande is a four-story tower of packed earthen walls built over 600 years ago by the agricultural Indians of the Gila River Valley. The site also contains important Hohokam Indian remains dating from about 900 A.D. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Hohokam Pima National Monument, Arizona (32 deg. 55' N.; 111 deg. 30' W.). Hohokam Pima is part of the site of Snaketown, which was continuously inhabited by the Hohokam/Pima cultures for over 2,000 years. This site contains essentially all phases of Hohokam cultural development from the earliest villages established around 400 B.C. up to A.D. 1450. Subsequently this same site was occupied by the Pima from the time of contact with the Spanish until around 1940. The Hohokam Pima site clearly demonstrates the Mesoamerican influence in the Southwestern U.S. The site is located on a Pima reservation. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Ocmulgee National Monument, Georgia (32 deg.50' N.; 83 deg.40' W.). The large mounds and surrounding villages at Ocmulgee demonstrates the cultural evolution of the Indian mound-builder civilization in the southern U.S. Criteria:
(iii) Bears an exception testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Poverty Point, Louisiana (32 deg.40' N.; 91 deg.25' W.). An archaeological site that flourished from 1,000-600 B.C. It contains a geometric earthwork complex, consisting of 11.2 miles of raised terraces arranged in six concentric octagons, and Poverty Point Mound, a bird-shaped ceremonial structure. Criteria: (iii) Bears an exception testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico (36 deg.10' N.; 108 deg.0' W.). This property bears testimony to the first five periods of the Chacoan variant and one period of the Mesa Verdean variant of the Pueblo civilization. Chaco Canyon is a large canyon which contains approximately 1100 ruins including 13 major Pueblo Indian villages. These villages consist of 3-5 story buildings which often contain over 1,000 rooms. The ceremonial complex consisting of the large villages is dated between A.D. 1,110 and 1,300 and clearly demonstrates the cultural links between the Mesoamerican cultures and the Pueblo Indians of the Southwestern U.S. Criteria: (ii) Exerted great influence, over a span of time and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in town-planning; and (iii) bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Mound City Group National Monument, Ohio (39 deg.25' N.; 83 deg.1' W.). Twenty-three burial mounds of Hopewell Indians
(200 B.C.-A.D. 500) have yielded vast quantities of artifacts that give insights into the ceremonial customs of the Hopewell people. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Archaic/Paleo-Indian
Cape Krusenstern Archaeological District, Alaska (67 deg.0' N.; 164 deg.0' W.). Cape Krusenstern consists of a series of marine beach ridges (and nearby hills) which contain evidence of nearly every major cultural period in Arctic prehistory and history. This area is very near the probable route taken by man's first crossing into North America and is still inhabited today. Due to land subsidence along the coast a unique stratigraphy has formed which allows a complete dating sequence in an area where few dates are available. Each ridge represents approximately a 200-year time span for a total of approximately 8,000 years. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Ventana Cave, Arizona (32 deg.25' N.; 112 deg.15' W.). Ventana Cave offers a unique history of the hunter/gatherer cultural development and continuity. This site has been occupied continuously from 200 B.C. until the present. Excavations here solidified the stratigraphic sequence dates, and made a significant contribution to knowledge of the development of Hohokam culture in this area. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Paleo-Indian
Lindenmeir Site, Colorado (40 deg. 55'; 105 deg. 10' W.). This site was one of the earliest Folsom sites to be excavated by archaeologists and was instrumental in establishing man's presence in North America at its current early date. The site consists of a kill site marked by numerous bison bones and a camp a short distance away. This is one of the few early man sites where both site types were found, and it gives a more complete picture of the early hunters' life and cultural adaption. Criteria: (iii) Bears a unique testimony to a civilization which has disappeared.
Hawaiian
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii (19 deg. 25' N.; 155 deg. 55' W.) This area (formerly known as City of Refuge National Historical Park) includes sacred ground, where vanquished Hawaiian warriors, noncombatants, and kapu breakers were granted refuge from secular authority. Prehistoric housesites, royal fishponds, and spectacular shore scenery are features of the park. Criteria: (v) An outstanding example of a traditional human settlement which is representative of a culture and which has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
European Exploration and Colonial Settlement
La Fortaleza-San Juan National Historical Site, Puerto Rico
(18 deg. 28' N.; 66 deg. 10' W.). Spanish defenses at San Juan guarded their sea lanes to the Caribbean; at this site they founded one of their earliest colonies in the Americas. La Fortaleza, the first fortification of San Juan (built 1533-40), has been the residence of the island's governors since the 1620s. The massive masonry citadel of El Morro was begun in 1591. Criteria: (iv) An outstanding example of a type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history; and (vi) directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
San Xavier Del Bac, Arizona (32 deg. 10' N.; 111 deg. 0' W.). ONe of the finest Spanish colonial churches in the United States, having a richly ornamented baroque interior.
(Comparative national and international study will be necessary before the United States would consider nominating property representative of this important international development. For example, the California and Texas mission systems would be examined.) Criteria: (iv) An outstanding example of a type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history.
Savannah Historic District, Georgia. The first settlement in the English colony of Georgia, which was founded with philanthropic intent, Savannah has retained much of James Oglethorpe's original city plan and possesses many structures of architectural merit. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in town-planning; and (vi) directly and tangibly associated with events or with ideas of outstanding universal significance.
Architecture: Early United States
Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia (38 deg. 0' N.; 78 deg. 30' W.). Thomas Jefferson, the third American President, was a popularizer of the Classic Revival architectural style. In Monticello, his mansion, he combined elements of Roman, Palladian, and 18th-century French design with features expressing his extraordinary personal inventiveness. Criteria: (i) A unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of the creative genius; and (ii) has exerted great influence, over a span of time and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
University of Virginia Historic District, Charlottesville, Virginia (38 deg. 0' N.; 78 deg. 30' W.). Includes original classrooms and professors' quarters housed in pavilions aligned on both sides of an elongated terraced court, as well as the doomed Rotunda, a scaled-down version of the Pantheon which was the focal point of Thomas Jefferson's design. Jefferson envisioned a community of scholars living and studying in an architecturally unified complex of buildings. Criteria: (i) A unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of the creative genius; and (ii) has exerted great influence, over a span of time and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Architecture: Modern U.S.
Consideration will be given to the nomination of a
``thematic'' Chicago School district, including some of the properties listed in this grouping.
Auditorium Building, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 51' 87 deg. 40' W.). Constructed in 1889, this building is one of the most important works by Chicago School architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. Criteria: (i) A unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of creative genius; and (ii) has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Store, Chicago, Illinois
(41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). A commercial establishment designed by Louis Sullivan in an original and practical form, Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company was his last large commercial commission. An iron and steel framwork supports the structure, which is most notable for its elaborate ironwork ornament on the first and second floor facades. Sullivan's designs combine organic and geometric shapes in intricate and delicate patterns, in a type of ornament that is the hallmark of his work. The addition was by Daniel H. Burnham in 1904-6, Criteria: (i) A unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of creative genius; and (ii) has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Leiter II Buiding, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). Constructed in 1889-91, this building is the masterwork of architect William Le Baron Jenny. One of the earliest surviving examples of the Chicago School curtain wall proto-skyscraper. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Marquette Building, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). Architects William Holabird and Martin Roche make their first decisive statement on a new concept in building--steel framing. Constructed 1893-4. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Reliance Building, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). This building (1890-5) by Daniel Burnham and John Root is a key monument of the ``Chicago School.'' It has a steel framework and is covered with terra cotta sheating except on the granite first floor. Windows form continous bands and are ``Chicago windows'' large single, fixed panes of glass which fill an entire bay except for narrow, movable, double hung sash in the project bays. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Rookery Building, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). One of the last great masonry structures of the 19th century, designed by Daniel Burnham and John W. Root. Constructed in 1886-88, The Rookery is a transitional structure which presaged the modern steel frame office building. It combines skeletal cast-iron columns and spandrel beams supporting masonry with granite and brick and terra cotta. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
South Dearborn Street-Printing House Row North Historic District, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). This commercial district contains landmark structures in the development of skyscraper construction and some of the finest achievements of the ``Chicago School'' of architects: The Manhattan Building by William Le Baron Jenny, the first complete steel skeleton building, with wind bracing; the Daniel Burnham-designed Fisher Building, an early curtain-wall structure; the Old Colony Building by Holabird and Roche, using Corydon Purdy's wind bracing system; and the Monadnock Building, by Burnham and Root (north section) and Holabird and Roche (south section), one of the largest masonry bearing-wall structures ever built. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Prudential (Guaranty) Building, Buffalo, New York (42 deg. 50' N.; 78 deg. 50' W.). The last collaborative effort of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, the 13-story Prudential, constructed in 1895, is a trumpth of early skyscraper design. It links two skyscraper periods and departs from the earlier commercial use of elaborate ornamentation in favor of an emphatically vertical appearance. Although appearing rectangular in shape, it is actually U-shaped due to light corridors above the first floor. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Wainwright Building, St. Louis, Missouri (38 deg. 40' N.; 90 deg. 10' W.). Significant prototype of the modern office building, constructed in 1890-91. This building represents deliberate attempt to create an historical form expressive of the new mass of the multistory office block. For Sullivan, the potential aesthetic quality of the tall building lay in its unusual height. To emphasize this height to the maximum degree, he devised a system of closely ranked, pier-like verticals that give the street elevations their forceful thrust. Criteria: (1) Represents a unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of the creative genius; and (ii) has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Architecture: Wright School
A single, or thematic, nomination representative of this group will be considered.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 50' W.). Wright lived and practiced here, in the Shingle-style home he built for his family, during the
``First Golden Age'' of his long career. Constructed 1889-98. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Unity Temple, Oak Park, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 50' W.). Wright designed the Temple with a rooftop skylight, rather than a steeple. Constructed in 1906 of poured concrete, the Temple is basically a concrete cube with stark and largely unornamented interior walls. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Robie House, Chicago, Illinois (41 deg. 52' N.; 87 deg. 40' W.). This brick house, with its low horizontal emphasis, was designed by Wright in his ``Prairie'' style, utilizing an open plan focused on a large central chimney mass. He continued inside walls to the exterior to tie the surrounding landscape to the house. Constructed 1907-9. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
Taliesin, Wisconsin (43 deg. 10' N.; 90 deg. 10' W.). The second great center of Wright's activity, this combination of home, workshop, laboratory, and retreat consists of several groupings of structures designed individually to suit their different uses. It is the summer home and studio of the Taliesin Fellowship. Criteria: (ii) Has exerted great influence, over a span of time, and within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture.
FallingWater, Pennsylvania (39 deg. 55' N.; 90 deg. 25' W.). One of the most famous of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, regarded by many as his masterwork. Criteria: (i) A unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of the creative genius.
Engineering
Brooklyn Bridge, New York (40 deg. 42' N.; 73 deg. 57' W.). Built by John A. and Washington A. Roebling, the Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first wire cable suspension bridges. The technical, problems faced in its construction were solved by solutions that established precedents in bridge building. The cables themselves are supported by two massive Gothic pylons, each with two pointed arches. The main span is 1595 feet. Criteria: (iv) An outstanding example of a type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history.
Eads Bridge, Illinois-St. Louis, Missouri (38 deg. 40' N.; 90 deg. 10' W.). The first major bridge in the world in which steel was employed in the principal members. The secondary members and the tubes enveloping the steel staves forming the arch ribs are of wrought iron. Criteria: (iv) An outstanding example of a type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history.
Washington Monument, District of Columbia (38 deg. 52' N.; 77 deg. 02' W.). The hollow shaft, free of exterior decoration, is the tallest free-standing masonry structure in the world (555 feet). It commemorates the achievements of George Washington, first President of the United States. Criteria: (iv) An outstanding example of a type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history.
Science and Industry
McCormick Farm and Workshop, Virginia (37 deg. 40' N.; 79 deg. 35' W.). of the inventions that revolutionized agriculture during the first half of the 19th century, the mechanical reaper (1834), was probably the most important. The well-preserved farmhouse and workshop of Cyrus McCormick, its inventor, are included within this property. Criteria:
(vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Original Bell Telephone Laboratories, New York (40 deg.45' N.; 74 deg. 0' W.). From 1898 to 1967, America's largest industrial research laboratory, responsible for numerous contributions to pure science and pioneering work in telecommunications technology. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
General Electric Research Laboratory, Schenectady, New York
(42 deg. 50' N.; 73 deg. 55' W.). A three-building complex recognized as the first industrial research facility in the United States. Since its construction in 1900, work at the laboratory has made many contributions to scientific knowledge, especially in the areas of physics and chemistry. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Goddard Rocket Launching Site, Massachusetts (42 deg. 12' N.; 71 deg. 50' W.). At this site, on March 16, 1926, Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the World's first liquid propellant rocket, an event that set the course for future developments in rocketry. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Lowell Observatory, Arizona (35 deg. 12' N.; 111 deg. 40' W.). Astronomical research conducted at this observatory, founded by Dr. Percival Lowell, has greatly enhanced man's knowledge of the Universe. Most significant of the observatory's discoveries was the first observable evidence of the expanding universe, made by Dr. V. M. Slipher in 1912. The observatory is also noted for intensive studies of Mars, the discovery of Pluto, and research in zodiacal light and sunspot phenomena. The 24-inch Lowell refracting telescope, installed in 1896, is in operation in its original housing. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Pupin Physics Laboratories, Columbia University, New York
(40 deg. 45' N.; 73 deg. 58' W.). Enrico Fermi conducted his initial experiments on the fission of uranium in these laboratories. In addition, the uranium atom was split here on January 25, 1939, 10 days after the world's first splitting in Copenhagen. The cyclotron control room contains the table which held the instruments used on that night. The United States would consider nominating this site only if the Copenhagen location is no longer extant. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Trinity site, New Mexico (33 deg. 45' N.; 106 deg. 25' W.). The world's first nuclear device was exploded here in July 1945. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with an event of outstanding universal significance.
Humanitarian Endeavor and Social Reform
New Harmony Historic District, Indiana (38 deg. 08' N.; 87 deg. 55' W.). Founded by the Rappite religious sect in 1815, New Harmony was purchased in 1825 by British visionary and socialist reformer Robert Owen, who sought to alleviate evils spawned by the factory system. Some 35 structures from the Rappite-Harmonist period survive. This property will be compared to Owenite remains in the United Kingdom and to other communal societies in the U.S. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Chapel Hall, Gallaudet College, District of Columbia. This large Gothic Revival structure (1867-70) is the earliest major building at the college, the only institution of higher learning specifically devoted to the education of the deaf. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events or ideas of outstanding universal significance.
Warm Springs Historic District, Georgia (32 deg. 50' N.; 84 deg. 40' W.). The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which grew out of the Warm Springs Foundation established by Franklin D. Roosevelt, became one of the leading charitable institutions of the 20th century. Warm Springs Hospital was the major international center for the treatment of infantile paralysis (polio); the research that led to the development of the preventive vaccines had its roots here. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
International Affairs
Aleutian Islands Unit of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (Fur Seal Rookeries), Alaska (57 deg. 30' N.; 170 deg. 30' W.). Originally frequented by the native peoples of Alaska, these islands have lured Russian, British, French, Spanish, and American fur hunters since the 18th century. The seal herds have several times been threatened with extinction due to indiscriminate hunting, but a notable 1911 convention between the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia (USSR), and Japan has provided them with international protection and management. Today's flourishing herds illustrate the international application of conservation principles. Criteria: (vi) Directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Statue of Liberty National Monument, New Jersey-New York
(40 deg. 37' N.; 74 deg. 03' W.). French historian Edouard Laboulaye suggested the presentation of this statue to the United States, commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. The cooper colossus was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and erected according to plans by Gustave Eiffel. The national monument also includes Ellis Island, the depot through which many millions of immigrants and emigrants passed. Criteria:
(iv) An outstanding example of type of structure which illustrates a significant stage in history, and (vi) directly and tangibly associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
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