A Guide to Famous American Landmarks for Kids!

Battles, speeches, famous men and women, they all make up the fabric of America's history. Nothing makes these scenes from history come alive more than visiting the places where the battles took place or the people lived their lives. Even distinct geographical features of the land affect not only the people who live around them, but also create the unique landscape that is America. Visiting at least some of these landmarks of America is a fun way to learn more about it. For those wanting to gain a better appreciation for some of America's most famous places, here's a few places to learn about and visit.

Perhaps America's most distinctive geographical feature, this large ravine in America's southwest stretches for 277 miles. Every year, over 5 million visitors come to view the amazing strata that lie below the earth's surface.

• The Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon: Nature, Culture, and History

For many years, St. Louis, Missouri, was the last point of civilization for pioneers departing for points west to settle. In 1947, the Gateway Memorial Arch was built as a remembrance of the millions of Americans to left everything to start new lives in the West.

• The Gateway Arch
• Pictures of the Gateway Arch

In 1912, construction began on a memorial to the assassinated president who led the country through the Civil War and was seen as the Great Emancipator. Since then it has been the site of many famous historical scenes, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

• History of the Lincoln Memorial
• Interactive Tour of the Lincoln Memorial

The modest home of a silversmith and patriot, the Paul Revere House later became a home for immigrants. Now it is a museum where visitors can get a first-hand view of life in colonial times.

• The Paul Revere House
• Visit the Paul Revere House

The Everglades National Park in Florida houses one of the most unique ecosystems in the country. Full of crocodiles and other swamp creatures, the park is open to visitors year round.

• Discover the Everglades National Park
• Official Site of the Everglades National Park

George Washington, the first President of the United States, did much to shape the war that won U.S. independence and the government that was born from the conflict. The obelisk, which was finished in 1885 to honor what he did for the country, is one of the most distinctive features of the nation's capital.

• The Washington Monument
• History of the Washington Monument

Settlers from the U.S. streamed into Texas while it was still a part of Mexico. In 1836, less than 200 Texans defended the Alamo, a former Catholic mission, from 1500 Mexican soldiers, spurring on a revolution that brought Texas its independence, clearing the way for admission into the Union.

• The Alamo
• Alamo Plaza

Just outside Boston, Massachusetts, one of the earliest battles in the American Revolution took place. The Bunker Hill Monument honors the memories of the American soldiers who defended the hill and didn't shoot "until they could see the whites of their eyes."

• Boston's Bunker Hill Monument
• Bunker Hill Monument

At one time, the valley below the Hoover Dam was a barren area, devoid of much vegetation. Then in 1931, as part of President Roosevelt's plans to get the country out the depression, the Hoover Dam construction began, bringing hundreds of jobs, a new source of power, and much needed water to a land now able to grow crops.

• Hoover Dam: Lonely Lands Made Fruitful
• Visiting Hoover Dam

Not only was Thomas Jefferson the third president of the U.S., but he was also the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and an influential Founding Father. The memorial located in Washington, D.C. commemorates this statesman, author, scientist, and inventor.

• Memorial to Thomas Jefferson
• Jefferson Memorial Website

Originally built in 1732 to be the home of the Pennsylvania colonial government, Independence Hall became the first seat of government during the American Revolution, and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It later became host to the Constitutional Convention.

• Independence Hall: Birthplace of Liberty
• Independence Hall and American History

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the country and home to one of the most interesting features in nature. Old Faithful shoots up its spray of water as if on a schedule, providing scientists and tourists an interesting show.

• Watch Old Faithful Live!
• Old Faithful: Geological Wonder

In the late 1880s, when thousands of people were traveling along the Oregon Trail towards the west coast, Independence Rock marked an important milestone in the journey. The settlers' goal was to reach the rock by July 4th to insure they would reach their destination before winter.

• Independence Rock
• Independence Rock: The Oregon Trail Landmark

Perhaps one of the most enduring symbols of the U.S.A. and of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was gift from France in 1886. The copper statue was one of the first sites immigrants to the country from Europe would see as they sailed into New York's harbor.

• The Statue of Liberty
• Welcome to Ellis Island and the Lady Liberty Statue

The Library of Congress is truly one of the treasures of the country. The largest library in the world, it houses millions of books as well as all sorts of photos and records.

• The Library of Congress
• Learn About the Library of Congress Classification System

Mount Rushmore is not only a memorial to four of the country's presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt - but an engineering feat as well. The faces of the four presidents were carved into the side of the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1925 by a father and son team of sculptors.

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Mount Rushmore for Kids

The White House has been home to all the presidents of the United States except for George Washington. The building, which was located in a former swamp, has become a symbol of the power of the country as it is not only the residence but also the office and headquarters of the president.

• The White House
• History of the President's House

First commissioned to commemorate the founding of Pennsylvania colony and the freedom its citizens found in their new home, the Liberty Bell forever sealed its role in the legend of the country when it is supposed to have rung to assemble people to listen to the Declaration of Independence for the first time. Though it hasn't been rung in years, the most famous bell in America remains a popular tourist draw.

• History of the Liberty Bell
• Liberty Bell Center

The U.S. Constitution, the document which founded the federal government, is housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. This document, drafted in 1787, is a collection of compromises and the effort of many of the country's Founding Fathers.

• History for Kids: The Constitution
• Visit the National Archives, Home to the Constitution

Found on the rocky coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is considered by some to be the most beautiful spot on the Eastern coast. The rugged terrain, turbulent ocean views, and gorgeous vegetation make it a popular place to visit.

• Acadia National Park
• Friends of Acadia