US Landmarks: History and Significance
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial commemorates the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the USA. It is located in Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia). Designed by Henry Bacon, the style is that of a Greek Doric temple with 36 enormous columns. Lincoln’s statue was sculpted by Daniel Chester French (1850-1931). The 36 Doric columns represent the 36 states of the Union at the time of President Lincoln’s death in 1865. The construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in 1914. The building was built with marble from the state of Colorado. Lincoln’s statue was made from blocks of marble from the state of Georgia. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States of America. He served as president from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He was born in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He eventually became a lawyer and a Republican politician. Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842; they had four sons, but only one survived childhood. He was elected president in 1860. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which eventually led to the freeing of all slaves in the USA. Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, by John Wilkes Booth (an actor).
Use of Flags
White signifies purity and innocence. Red means valor and bravery. Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Stars are considered symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun. The US flag has undergone many changes since the first official flag of 1777. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which said that the flag would be made up of thirteen white stars.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a huge bronze bell that symbolizes freedom in the United States of America. This historic bell is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The bell was originally commissioned as a bell for the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall).
The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is an elegant monument to westward expansion in the USA. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, the arch rises above the city skyline. There was a nationwide competition in 1947 to design the arch. Architect Eero Saarinen won the contest. Construction of the arch began on February 12, 1963, and was finished on October 28, 1965. It was opened to the public on July 24, 1967.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is an obelisk-shaped building in Washington, D.C., that was built to honor the first president of the United States of America, George Washington. The exterior of the Washington Monument was completed on December 6, 1884. It was opened to the public on October 9, 1888.
George Washington
George Washington was the first president of the United States of America. He served as president from April 30, 1789, until March 4, 1797.
Early Life
He was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father died when he was 11 years old. He had very little formal schooling but became an expert woodsman. He married Martha Custis.
In Politics
He was selected to the House of Burgesses in Virginia. He died on December 14, 1799, at his home.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, in New York, is a symbol of freedom throughout the world. It was a gift from the people of France in recognition of the French-American alliance during the American Revolution.
Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi
Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi designed the Statue of Liberty. The hollow copper statue was built in France. It was finished in July 1884.