The Alamo, San Antonio, TX
Everyone knows the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” even if they’re not exactly sure what happened at the 18th-century Spanish mission. Later converted and used as a fortress, in 1836, this beautiful building was the site of a bloody and powerful battle of the Texas Revolution fought between Texas’s early Anglo settlers and the Mexicans. Today, one of the most visited historic sites in the country welcomes about three million visitors annually.
Statue of Liberty, New York, NY
Fun Fact: A gift from France to our country, this 151ft copper lady was, perhaps, the world’s first crowdfunded campaign. When the French government couldn’t afford to complete and ship the statue stateside, an 1885 drive started by New York World publisher Joseph Pulitzer attracted more than 120,000 donors, most of whom gave less than a dollar. Shortly after, Lady Liberty arrived in pieces and was assembled on what we know today as Liberty Island, where she still welcomes visitors to the New York Harbor.
