Establishment of the Freedom Riders National Monument

President Obama established the Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston, Alabama under the Antiquities Act, protecting approximately 5.96 acres including the former Greyhound bus station and the site of the 1961 bus burning. The monument commemorates the civil rights activists who challenged segregation in interstate travel. The Secretary of the Interior must prepare a management plan within 3 years through the National Park Service.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 6159

Impact dates

Jan 12, 2020
Management plan due from Secretary of the Interior

Key directives

Establish Freedom Riders National Monument on approximately 5.96 acres in Anniston, Alabama
Withdraw federal lands from entry, location, selection, sale, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing
Secretary of the Interior shall manage monument through National Park Service
Secretary shall use available authorities to enter into agreements with others for management efficiencies
Secretary shall prepare management plan with full public involvement within 3 years
Management plan shall preserve historic objects and interpret civil rights movement resources

Who is ordered

Secretary of the Interior · Department of the Interior

Timeline

Immediate

Monument establishment takes effect upon proclamation
Federal lands withdrawn from entry, sale, mining, and mineral leasing
National Park Service assumes management responsibility

Near term (90d)

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Long term

Management plan due within 3 years of January 12, 2017 (by January 12, 2020)
Ongoing preservation and interpretation of civil rights history

Risks & tensions

Management plan deadline (3 years) falls into next administration, creating potential implementation uncertainty
Small acreage (5.96 acres) limits scope but concentrates preservation challenge in urban setting
Dominant reservation clause may create tension with prior land uses or claims