A bill was passed in Congress in 1849 to create the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is the nation's principal conservation agency. Its mission is to protect America's treasures for future generations, provide access to U.S. natural and cultural heritage, offer recreation opportunities, honor trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives and responsibilities to island communities, conduct scientific research, provide wise stewardship of energy and mineral resources, foster sound use of land and water resources, and conserve and protect fish and wildlife. (Source: DOI / Photo: Wikimedia Commons)