The United States is a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landmarks. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the majestic Grand Canyon, these landmarks tell the story of a nation’s birth, growth, and development. You need to see these 19 famous USA landmarks before you die.
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1. Statue of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island in New York City, the Statue of Liberty is arguably the most iconic landmark in North America. This copper statue was a gift from France and was dedicated in 1886. The statue’s metal framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower. The Statue of Liberty holds a tablet inscribed with the date of US independence, July 4, 1776, and has become a symbol of freedom and hope.
Did You Know? The Statue of Liberty was often the first sight of the USA seen by incoming immigrants.
2. Golden Gate Bridge
Spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to behold. This iconic suspension bridge, with its distinctive orange color and Art Deco detailing, is a marvel of modern engineering. It’s not just a means of transportation but also a symbol of the city and the state.
Did You Know? The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937, and it held that record for 27 years.
3. Seattle Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Space Needle is a futuristic icon that offers 360-degree views of Seattle’s most scenic sights, including Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. The Space Needle features an all-glass floor and an open-air deck for an unparalleled viewing experience. Having been in movies, TV shows, and countless memorabilia, the Seattle Space Needle is easily one of the most famous USA landmarks you can see!
Fun Fact: The Space Needle was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. It was built to withstand wind speeds of 200 mph, double the requirements in force at the time.
4. Mount Rushmore
Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota are the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This colossal sculpture, intended to represent the first 150 years of American history, is a must-see for any visitor to the region.
Fun Fact: Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, originally planned to depict the presidents from head to waist, but lack of funding forced the project to end after the faces were completed
5. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam, located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, was constructed during the Great Depression in the early 1930s. Named after then-President Herbert Hoover, the dam created the largest reservoir in the US, Lake Mead, which supplies water to three states and Mexico.
Fun Fact: The Hoover Dam was built using enough concrete to pave a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York.
6. Washington Monument
Standing tall in the heart of Washington D.C., the Washington Monument is a tribute to the nation’s first President, George Washington. This towering obelisk, completed in 1888, is the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure. It’s not just a monument but also a symbol of the country’s reverence for its founding father.
Did You Know? The Washington Monument is over 554 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in Washington D.C. Interestingly, there’s a law that prohibits any other building in the city from being taller than the monument.
7. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, located on the border between the United States and Canada, is one of the most visited landmarks in North America. Known for its grand allure, the falls are a sight to behold and offer a unique experience of nature’s power and beauty.
Fun Fact: Niagara Falls is capable of producing over 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is shared by the United States and Canada.
8. Empire State Building
One of the hallmarks of the Big Apple, The Empire State Building, is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Standing tall in New York City at 1,454 feet (including its antenna), it was the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years until the completion of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in late 1970.
Did You Know? The Empire State Building has its own zip code: 10118.
9. The Grand Canyon
Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a natural landmark known for its visually overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
Fun Fact: The Grand Canyon can influence its own weather patterns.
10. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness area.
Did You Know? Yosemite was the first area of land set aside by the U.S. government for preservation and protection.
11. The Alamo
In San Antonio, Texas, you’ll find the Alamo, a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound. It’s best known for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where a small group of Texan defenders made a courageous stand against Mexican forces. Today, it stands as a symbol of heroic resistance and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Did You Know? The Alamo was originally named Misión San Antonio de Valero and served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly seventy years before it became a fortress.
12. Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is the world’s tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States.
Did You Know? The Gateway Arch is as tall as it is wide, standing and spanning 630 feet. It’s also the most Instagrammable National Park in the nation!
14. Times Square
New York City’s Times Square is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually. Known for its bright lights and bustling energy, it’s a hub for the Broadway theater district and a major center of the world’s entertainment industry.
Fun Fact: Times Square was originally called Longacre Square until the New York Times moved there in 1904.
15. The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is an American cultural icon and landmark. Situated on Mount Lee, in the Hollywood Hills area of the Santa Monica Mountains, the sign overlooks Hollywood in California.
Did You Know? The Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland” when it was installed in 1923.
16. The White House
The White House, located in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800.
Fun Fact: The White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and six levels in the residence.
17. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Constructed between 1672 and 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument stands as a testament to the Spanish Empire’s presence in the New World. This historic fort, situated in St. Augustine, Florida, holds the distinction of being the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Did You Know? The Castillo de San Marcos is made of coquina, a type of stone that is composed of shell fragments.
18. Fenway Park
As a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts, Fenway Park stands as an iconic baseball stadium in the United States. Situated in Boston, Massachusetts, it’s recognized for its unique characteristics, including the “Green Monster,” a towering left field wall standing at 37.2 feet high. Notably, since its opening in 1912, Fenway Park holds the distinction of being the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
Did You Know? Fenway Park is one of the few remaining ballparks with a manual scoreboard. It is updated by hand throughout the game from behind the wall.
19. The French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. Known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings, and iconic Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is a testament to New Orleans’ rich history and multicultural heritage.
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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.