The United States government did not take the lead on combating infectious diseases until the Twentieth Century, allowing the individual states to handle public health. In 1906, Congress passed an act claiming the authority of the U.S. to take over quarantine stations. Henry Plauché Dart called this the "first truly National Quarantine Law."
CHAP. 3433.-An Act To further protect the public health and make more June 19,1906. effective the national quarantine.
"That the Secretary of the Treasury shall have the control, direction, and management of all quarantine stations, antine stations, grounds, and anchorages established by authority of the United States.."
In response, Louisiana enacted 1906 Act No. 203, transferring control of its quarantine station to the U.S. government.
