Overview

Historic preservation has been a Federal concern since 1906 when the Antiquities Act provided for the protection of historic and prehistoric remains and monuments on Federal lands. Since that time, Congress has made historic preservation a responsibility of every Federal agency, enacting multiple laws that extend the consideration of our nation's historic and archeological resources to properties beyond Federal lands and reflect the importance the American people attach to safeguarding and maintaining the places that embody our nation's rich heritage. Chief among these are the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966.

The FHWA Historic Preservation and Archeology Program provides guidance and technical assistance to Federal, State, and local government staff regarding these Federal laws, as well as regulations, executive orders, policy, procedures, and training on topics related to historic preservation and cultural resources. This website provides information geared to the Federal-aid highway program and its related projects. Information contained on this website offers guidance, recommendations, and successful practices to help address historic preservation/cultural resource issues during the transportation project planning and development process. The Resources section of this website is designed to provide other useful information including, partner agencies, professional organizations, relevant legislation, publications, and conferences and meetings.

FHWA's Guidance on Historic Preservation and Archeology provides links to various guidance documents addressing issues associated with historic preservation. See the legislation relate to protection of irreplaceable historic resources and find additional information under these topic areas:

Archeology Historic Bridges Historic Roads Interstate Highway System Tribal Issues Streamlining Historic Preservation Resources	Photo of Burnside Bridge at Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland (courtesy of Gregg Stuessi)
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