The Landmarks That Define America
Introduction
It’s no secret that the United States is a big place. But how many people realize how many of its most famous landmarks are right next to each other? Whether you’re an American looking for a fun road trip or a tourist planning your next vacation, I’ve put together the ultimate list of places to visit in America:
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the United States. The statue was a gift from France to America, and it was dedicated in 1886. It has since been restored several times, most recently after suffering damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and steel (with its armature being composed mostly of iron). It stands 305 feet tall from base to torch tip–the height including an 18-foot pedestal on which it stands–and weighs 225 tons.[1]
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, in the United States. The memorial park covers 1,278.45 acres (5.18 km2) and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.
- The entire memorial covers 1,278.45 acres (5.18 km2) and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in San Francisco, California that connects the city to Marin County. It was opened on May 27, 1937 and remains one of America’s most recognizable landmarks today. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait between Fort Point at its southern end and Marin County at its northern end; it has an elevation of 230 feet above sea level at its highest point (though it only rises about 65 feet above water). Its red color is due to rusting iron in the steel structure; this gives it its nickname as “The Red Carpet.”
The iconic structure was designed by Joseph B. Strauss and Irving F. Morrow, who were both trained engineers with experience designing railroad bridges; they also collaborated on other projects like the George Washington Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River near Mount Vernon, Virginia–which is why there are similarities between these two bridges besides just their appearance!
The White House
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. It has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. The building was designed by Irish architect James Hoban and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone; it has been expanded twice since then (in 1814 and again in 1817). The main block originally contained both public and private rooms; today these areas are split between the West Wing (used by members of Congress) and East Wing (used by presidents). The current first family resides in an apartment on top floor while they wait until their new home is ready; it will be located at Navy Yard near Capitol Hill.[1]
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, CA (The Rock)
Alcatraz Island is a rocky island located in the San Francisco Bay, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) offshore from San Francisco, California. It was originally known as “Isla de los Alcatraces” (Island of the Pelicans), later as “La Isla de la Alcatraz” (The Island of the Condor). The current name was given by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala who arrived on November 4, 1775 with an expedition from Spain and claimed it for Spain because there were so many sea birds there that they seemed to be “alcatrazes” or pelicans feeding on fish eggs.
Alcatraz was home to a lighthouse from 1854 until it was automated in 1933; after which time it became Fort Alcatraz until 1947 when it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area under control of the U S Army Corps Of Engineers; then finally transferred back over into civilian hands when they turned it into a museum run by The National Park Service.*
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Hall is the oldest surviving public building in the United States. It was constructed between 1732 and 1756, and served as the seat of government for both Pennsylvania and later the United States until 1800. The building also housed Congress, which met there from 1774 to 1800; during that time period, it was known as “Congress Hall.”
Independence Hall is perhaps best known for its role in hosting some of America’s most important events: In May 1776, representatives from each colony gathered here to sign their names on the Declaration of Independence; two years later on September 17th (also known as “Congress Day”), delegates drafted what would become our Constitution inside this very room! Today this historic structure remains an important part of American history–you can visit it yourself by taking a self-guided tour or by attending one of its many events like concerts or lectures about American culture!
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Kings Canyon National Park is located in central California, just south of Sequoia National Park. It’s one of the lesser-known national parks in this country–but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked! Kings Canyon has plenty to offer visitors who want to get away from city life for a few days and explore some nature.
Kings Canyon has several hiking trails that wind through towering pine trees and granite cliffs; you’ll likely even see some wildlife along these paths! You can also take advantage of the many scenic drives around Kings Canyon, including one called Grant Grove Loop Road (which passes by giant sequoias) or Panoramic Point Road (which takes you up high above the canyon). There are also several campgrounds available within Kings Canyon where you can stay overnight if desired; reservations are recommended during peak seasons like summertime or holidays like Thanksgiving weekend because they tend fill up quickly then!
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Grand Canyon National Park is a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring sight. It’s also one of America’s most popular national parks, so expect crowds–but don’t let that deter you from visiting! The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona and covers 1,904 square miles (4 million acres). The canyon itself is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide at its widest point, making it one of the world’s largest canyons by volume.
The best way to see this amazing landscape? Hike down into it! There are many different trails available depending on how much time and energy you want to put into exploring them; some lead right down into the canyon while others take hikers through forests or around waterfalls before ending at viewpoints overlooking different parts of the Grand Canyon. If hiking isn’t really your thing but still want an up-close look at nature’s beauty, there are plenty other ways too: You could go kayaking on Lake Powell or ride along with mules through Copper Creek Trail (which leads directly into Havasu Falls).
There are plenty more activities available within Grand Canyon National Park as well–from ranger talks about geology or history lessons about Native Americans who lived here centuries ago all the way back when dinosaurs roamed Earth…to helicopter tours over Hoover Dam…or just sitting back with friends/family members while enjoying breathtaking views from safety railings along Rim Trail Rd., which runs alongside rim roads where vehicles aren’t allowed.”
See America’s most famous landmarks.
- See the Statue of Liberty
- See Mount Rushmore
- See Golden Gate Bridge
- See the White House (it’s not only for presidents)
- Visit Alcatraz Island and imagine what life was like in this famous prison, which held some of America’s most notorious criminals from 1934 until 1963.
If you want to see some other historical landmarks that define America, try these: Independence Hall in Philadelphia; Kings Canyon National Park; Grand Canyon National Park; Yellowstone National Park; Great Smoky Mountains National Park–and many more!
Conclusion
America is a country full of history. The landmarks that define it are not only beautiful, but also important symbols of what makes America great. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to learn more about the world around us, these places are worth visiting at least once in your life!