Can you name these American landmarks?
From giant arches to bridges and roadside wonders, the United States is full of famous landmarks. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- The Washington Monument is made of stone of two slightly different colors. Construction stopped for more than 20 years, and when work resumed, the new marble came from a different quarry, leaving a visible line about 150 feet up.
- The Hollywood Sign originally read 'HOLLYWOODLAND' when it went up in 1923 as an advertisement for a housing development. The last four letters were removed in 1949 when the sign was repaired.
- The Gateway Arch was built to sway slightly in strong winds, and it can move up to about 18 inches at the top. The flexibility helps the structure handle wind and temperature changes safely.
Icons of stone, steel and imagination
America's landmarks range from carefully planned monuments to natural wonders and quirky roadside art. Some celebrate engineering, others mark important places in the country's story, and many simply became famous because people loved them. Together they draw millions of visitors every year and appear on postcards, in films and on travel wish lists around the world.
Feats of engineering
Many famous American landmarks are engineering achievements. Big bridges, dams and towers pushed the limits of the materials of their time, from the steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge to the concrete of Hoover Dam, which was poured in blocks and cooled with pipes of chilled water.
Natural landmarks
Nature created some of the country's best-known sights, such as Niagara Falls, Old Faithful in Yellowstone and the red rock arches of Utah. Many are protected as national parks or national monuments so that future generations can see them.
National monuments
The Antiquities Act of 1906 lets the federal government quickly protect places of scientific or historic interest as national monuments. Devils Tower was the first, and today there are well over a hundred, from ancient cliff dwellings to volcanic landscapes.
Roadside America
Not every landmark is grand. Across the country, giant statues, painted cars and odd buildings became famous as road-trip stops. Texas has Cadillac Ranch, a row of half-buried cars that visitors are encouraged to spray-paint, and many small towns claim the world's largest version of something.
Symbols of cities
Landmarks often become the symbol of a whole city. The Gateway Arch represents St. Louis as the historic gateway to the West, while bridges, towers and signs help people instantly recognize places such as San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Visiting tips
Popular landmarks can be crowded in summer, so arriving early in the morning helps. Many sites require timed tickets for elevators or tours, and checking official park or city websites before a trip avoids surprises.