Top 10 Famous Structures in the USA that are Historically Significant
If you are travelling in the USA or want to check out the local landmark structures, our list of the top 10 famous structures in the USA will surely come in handy. America has quite a lot of these, really, so it is hard to choose the best ten structures in America. However, today we will give it a try.
1. Brooklyn Bridge
New York
The grand bridge between Brooklyn and Manhattan island was built from 1869 and 1883, and claimed the lives of 27 men during the work. One of the most famous cable-stayed bridges in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge spans 1595 feet.
This famous feat of construction engineering now carries extremely important roadways, and defines the skyline of New York City, with a deck that is 127 feet above the water.
2. Independence Hall
Philadelphia
The Independence Hall is among the most important historical buildings in America. This is where the declaration of independence of the United States and its constitution were formed.
The Georgian style of architecture of this building is beautiful, and it once housed the independence bell as well. That is now displayed across the street from the Hall. The Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site now.
3. The Alamo
San Antonio
This simplistic 18th century Franciscan mission is the birth structure of the famous American slogan, ?Remember the Alamo!? The building was later secularized and used as a defensive structure.
It was the stage of one of the bloodiest battles in the early history of America. The site is revered among tourists, about three million of which visit the fort every year.
4. Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco
Perhaps one of the most iconic of American architecture, the Golden Gate Bridge used to hold the world record for the longest and tallest bridge in the world.
The Golden Gate bridge spans the mile-wide Golden Gate strait between San Francisco and Marin county, carrying both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across.
5. Washington Monument
Washington DC
Another most American icon is the Washington Monument in D.C. It enjoys the title of being the world?s tallest obelisk, at 554 feet. It was built to immortalize George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States.
6. Empire State Building
New York
In Midtown Manhattan there stands the proud Empire State Building, once the tallest building in the United States (from 1920 to 1970) at a total height of 1454 feet. Featured in numerous literature and entertainment - the King Kong movies being prominent - this building attracts visitors from all over the world.
7. Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Montana
Though not exactly a historic building (yet), the Gateway Arch is famous in the USA for its architecture. It is the world?s tallest arch, at 630 feet. The structure is built in the form of a weighted catenary arch.
Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1947 and completed in 1965, the stainless steel covered arch attracts more or less four million tourists and local visitors every year. The arch is officially dedicated to ?the American People?.
8. Trinity Church
Boston
The famous Romanesque rough stone construction of this historic parish church in Back Bay of Boston was completed in the 1870?s. Since 1909, the Church has been welcoming hordes of visitors every December for its sweet candlelit carols and solemn anthems performed by the Trinity Choir. At the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, it is one of busiest tourist destinations in the city.
9. Willis Tower
Chicago
The tallest building dominating the Chicago skyline is the Willis Tower, built in 1974 by Sears, Roebuck & Co., the largest retailer in the world at the time. It was the tallest building in the western hemisphere for 41 years.
Packing 108 stories and 1450 feet height, the black banded building comes in second as the tallest building in the United States. It offers epic, terrifying views from the glass-bottom observation deck at 1303 feet.
10. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles
A masterpiece of Frank Gehry, the building with a beautiful facade of rippled stainless steel clad facade stands in downtown LA. It is the home of the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale.
Walt Disney?s widow Lillian started off the project for this building by donating $50 millions, and it was completed in 1996. The Concert hall offers excellent acoustics because of the fir and oak paneled interior.