From getting men to the moon to iconic symbols of liberty used by Civil Rights leaders, America’s historical landmarks have all contributed to the country’s national identity and values.
These iconic landmarks each tell a story of the country’s rich history. Learn about the bloody battles that took place during the Texan Revolution, visit the homes of former US presidents, and get up close to great engineering feats.
Walk through the graves of fallen soldiers, visit remote high-security prisons, or stand at the site of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech. Each of these landmarks showcases how diverse and complex US history is.
10. White House, Washington D.C.
This iconic building has become one of the most notable landmarks in US history. Its construction began in 1792 according to designs by James Hoban. Did you know it was George Washington himself who chose the design of the White House?
The building was even burnt down once, during the War of 1812, by British forces. Nothing but the skeleton of the White House was left, but it was quickly rebuilt and maintained much of the original design.
The house has been the home of many legendary US presidents, like Barack Obama. If you want to go into the White House you can book an official tour!
9. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most important space centers in the world. Incredibly, both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs were operated here.
In 1969, the space center completed its first successful moon landing! Neil Armstrong’s famous words ‘One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind’ still ring true today.
At the center there’s a large visitor complex, where you can experience space for yourself through immersive exhibits and interactive displays! You’ll even be able to see real spacecrafts like the Apollo Command Module and the Atlantis space shuttle.
Next, head to the Heroes and Legends Hall where you can learn about the most important space pioneers.
8. Fenway Park, Massachusetts
This legendary ballpark in Massachusetts is the home stadium of the Red Sox. The stadium was opened in 1912, making it one of the oldest Major League Baseball stadiums in the US.
It’s not super big compared to other stadiums, and has a seating capacity of 37,755 fans. But what it lacks in size, Fenway Park makes up for in atmosphere. The roaring crowds can be heard throughout the city whenever a home game is on.
In 2000, the Red Sox biggest win at Fenway shook the city, with a victory of 23-3 against the Detroit Tigers!
7. Hoover Dam, Nevada
The Hoover Dam was built between 1931 and 1936. It’s incredible that one of the country’s most impressive engineering feats took just five years to complete!
It disrupts the Colorado River that snaked through the Nevada landscape, and has led to the slow formation of Lake Mead. Incredibly, the lake is the largest reservoir in the US by volume, with a staggering capacity of 28.9 million acre-feet of water!
Visitors can learn more about the dam at the Visitor Center that has interactive displays and panoramic views of Lake Mead.
If you want to do something a little different you can also go on a Powerplant Tour!
6. Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania
This historical battlefield was where the bloody Battle of Gettysburg took place in 1863. To this day it’s considered one of the most important battles of the Civil War. It’s thought that some 8,000 soldiers were killed and a further 46,000 were wounded in this savage battle.
In the end, the Union soldiers won and chased out the Confederates. There are more than 1,300 memorials that commemorate the lives lost at the site, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of many Union soldiers.
Visitors can walk around the cemetery, see the Cyclorama painting, and learn more about the battle at the Visitor Center.
5. Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania
The timeless message inscribed into the Liberty Bell has made it a symbol of the fight for liberation. It says ‘Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitant thereof’. This inspiring quote has been adopted by abolitionists, women’s rights suffragettes, and Civil Rights leaders.
It used to be the bell that rang in the Pennsylvania State House, now called the Independence Hall. It was made in 1571, and was used to call lawmakers and the local town residents to hear the reading of the news.
If you go to see the bell you’ll immediately spot the big crack down one side, which is thought to have appeared in the 1840s after 90 years of use!
4. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Possibly the most recognizable cemetery in the world. The Arlington National Cemetery is found in the old Arlington estate, which belonged to Confederate General Robert Lee.
Originally, the cemetery was the resting place of Union soldiers, but now US military personnel who have fallen in various wars are buried there.
It’s estimated that some 30 funerals take place here each weekday, and up till now there are some 400,000 graves stretched across the 624 acres of the estate.
If you go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the hour you’ll witness the elaborate guard changing ceremony!
3. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
This iconic historical landmark commemorates President Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Henry Bacon, the monument’s construction began in 1914 but wasn’t completed until 1922.
At the time of the president’s death in 1865, there were 36 states in the US, hence why there are 36 columns at the memorial.
Inside the memorial there is a large sculpture of the president sitting on a chair. If you wander up to the statue of Lincoln you’ll also find inscriptions of some of his most famous speeches etched into the white marble.
Lincoln was an important figure in the abolition of slavery in the US, which is why Martin Luther king delivered his timeless ‘I have a dream’ speech here in 1963.
2. Alcatraz Island, California
Just over a mile off the coast of San Francisco you’ll find Alcatraz Island. It sits in the San Francisco Bay and became famous as it was the former location of a high-security prison.
The prison opened in 1934 and closed less than 30 years later in 1963. Some of the country’s most dangerous prisoners were incarcerated here, like the notorious gangster Al Capone and Robert Stroud who was nicknamed the Birdman of Alcatraz.
You can visit the island by taking a ferry from Pier 33. Once you’re there you can wander through the old prison and learn about the country’s most dangerous criminals.
1. The Alamo, Texas
The Alamo in San Antonio Texas is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes a further four Spanish colonial missions. Built in 1718 by Spanish settlers it became famous because of the role it played in the Texas Revolution.
In 1836, American Texian defender soldiers fought against a group of Mexican soldiers in the Battle of the Alamo. After 13 days of horrific fighting the Texian defenders were defeated, and the battle became immortalized in the Texas Revolution with the chant ‘Remember the Alamo!’.
Nowadays you can visit the charming Alamo Chapel where you’ll learn about the history of the old mission and see exhibits of artifacts used in the Texas Revolution.
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