This grand, neoclassical sculpture stands as an international symbol for freedom and democracy, ideals that societies worldwide strive to uphold. Created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, this iconic landmark remains one of the world’s most recognized historic landmarks.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic tower has attracted visitors for centuries. Famed for its iconic White Tower and red-uniformed Yeoman Warders, London landmark is full of intrigue.
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands as one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and is filled with symbolism associated with American history. The statue was the vision of French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who was inspired by how people in his native France venerated Libertas, goddess of freedom, during and following the French Revolution.
This gift from France to honor American independence and end slavery took 21 years to build; both parties paid for its construction but Americans needed to raise funds to build its pedestal of pink Stony Creek granite. Finally, in 1886 it was finally unveiled.
Visitors to Lady Liberty can climb inside her arm, where a ladder leads up to a small balcony offering panoramic views of New York Harbor. From 1903 until 1916, Lady Liberty also served as a lighthouse, providing guidance to ships entering and leaving New York Harbor through its electric lights; this function was discontinued due to safety officials expressing concern that such bright lighting could blind passing ships.
Photographers have captured some incredible shots of lightning “kissing” the statue; approximately 600 lightning strikes are estimated each year at Bedloe’s Island where she stands and Ellis Island, which together form part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
2. Alamo
The Alamo is best-known as a site of historic battle, yet it offers so much more. Beginning as a Spanish colonial settlement and later serving as garrison to Mexican, American, Texian forces during 1836’s Battle of the Alamo; its iconic adobe chapel became an iconic symbol of Texas independence amid all this turmoil.
“Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry that galvanized Texas against General Antonio Santa Anna’s troops at San Jacinto. While many defenders perished there, their courage and resilience serve as a lesson to us all today.
Today, the Alamo draws more than 2.5 million visitors each year and is managed by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas – an organization comprised of descendants from its original settlers – which ensures visitors can tour its original buildings as well as see its iconic 58-foot Cenotaph commemorating those who sacrificed their lives during its 13-day battle and serving as an important reminder of Texans’ devotion to sacrifice and unity with Mexico despite historic differences; their two countries share an inextricable bond while working collaboratively on critical issues together.
3. Lincoln Memorial
One of the most visited landmarks in America, this majestic neoclassical memorial to Abraham Lincoln represents his commitment to equality and liberty. From its striking neoclassical design to echos of great speeches carved into its walls, this landmark stands as an embodiment of American values.
According to the Smithsonian, memorialization efforts began almost immediately following Lincoln’s death; however, their establishment dragged on for decades due to diverging opinions regarding where and what kind of monument should be constructed. Finally, Congress approved Henry Bacon’s design which was inspired by Athen’s Parthenon; yet many people opposed its location in Potomac Park (reclaimed from riverfront tidal flats) due to design flaws; finally in 1915 its cornerstone was laid and opening was celebrated a mere four years later!
Although the Lincoln Memorial symbolizes American democracy’s triumph over slavery, it has also become a site for protest. Over the years it has served as a staging ground for white nationalists, pro-Ukrainian demonstrators, transgender rights advocates and anti-vaccine activists; civil rights leaders such as Marian Anderson and Martin Luther King Jr have used its steps as a platform to deliver their iconic “I Have a Dream” speeches there.
4. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado is well known for its impressive cliff dwellings made of sandstone and mud-mortar multi-story buildings crafted by Ancestral Pueblo people from this ancient culture of pre-Columbian North America, also known for their engineering capabilities. Mesa Verde offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into this remarkable pre-Columbian world through these historic structures.
Cliff dwellings include homes, kivas (ceremonial structures), and other buildings on cliff faces. Cliff Palace stands out as an extraordinary cliff dwelling; featuring over 100 rooms and 20 kivas at its height; it was likely home to over 250 Ancestral Puebloans at one time.
Other cliff dwellings can only be visited through guided tours, including Balcony House and Long House which offer more accessible experiences and enable access to areas not open to the general public. Guided tours offer rewarding educational experiences while also giving access to areas not open to visitors.
Beyond cliff dwellings, this park is best-known for its petroglyphs and rock carvings which reveal insights into Ancestral Puebloan spiritual and cultural practices. Petroglyph Point Trail provides excellent views of these features along with Spruce Canyons and Navajo Canyons – plus is considered an International Dark Sky Park which draws stargazers year round! This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park makes an excellent stargazing spot.
5. Ellis Island
Ellis Island served as America’s primary port of entry from 1880-1910; today it stands as an exceptional museum telling this important chapter in our nation’s history. Most visitors head straight for the Immigration Museum which features vivid artifacts that capture America’s “melting pot” heritage while the American Family Immigration History Center allows guests to search passenger lists to see whether any ancestors might have made it here.
Ellis Island served as America’s first federal immigration depot from 1892 until 1954, when quota laws drastically decreased its role. Over time, its historic complex of Renaissance Revival buildings eventually fell into disrepair and became abandoned – until its designation as a national landmark by Congress in 1965.
The foundation that worked to save the Statue of Liberty turned its efforts to Ellis Island and initiated one of the country’s largest restoration efforts. The main building reopened to the public in 1990 and now hosts a museum commemorating this significant chapter in American history.
6. Apollo Theater
At its height, the Apollo was an arena for entertainers to launch their careers, compete, hone their skills and foster each other’s talent – giving rise to many innovations from African-American artists in music, dance, comedy and beyond.
Harlem Renaissance years prior to World War II saw this theater rise to prominence and in 1934 introduced regular Amateur Night shows that would launch Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & the Pips, James Brown, Diana Ross & The Supremes as well as numerous singers such as Nicholas Brothers tap dancers Bill “Bojangles” Robinson as well as comedians such as Dick Gregory Red Foxx Richard Pryor among many others careers.
Harlem’s Apollo Theater remains an internationally-recognized cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the globe and stimulating economic activity in Harlem. Visitors can attend events like Apollo Arts Intersection festival from April 20-22th 2018, which brings together Black artists, intellectuals, creators and cultural movers to examine its global impact. Panel discussions, workshops and performances featuring Sage Adams, Dr Yaba Blay Ted Bunch Ghetto Gastro are among other prominent names.
7. Brooklyn Bridge
As the inaugural suspension bridge linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge stands as an icon of nineteenth century engineering. It featured multiple firsts such as using steel cable wire for suspension purposes as well as designing and building its distinctive twin towers adorned with Neo-Gothic arches; upon its opening on May 24th 1883 they were the tallest structures ever. It was designed by John A. Roebling while Washington Roebling served as engineer; during construction risk was present when working men were at risk from decompression sickness or “the bends.”
The Brooklyn Bridge was constructed using granite, limestone and Rosendale cement – something never before used in bridge building – making it the longest span bridge of its type and heralded as a triumph of American infrastructure when completed.
The Brooklyn Bridge remains an icon and historical landmark of New York City, spanning between Manhattan and Brooklyn and serving as an icon of optimism, innovation, and resilience. On any given day it carries thousands of vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, as well as historically protests such as suffragette marches to civil rights protests in the 1960s, Occupy Wall Street protests, Black Lives Matter movements etc.
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