• Mount Rushmore is only one of the many historical and cultural monuments in America.mount rushmore image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Historical and cultural monuments are scattered across the United States to memorialize various events in the country's history. Whether you're interested in learning about the history of America or discovering cultural movements in a particular location, visiting monuments can provide a first-hand experience that will educate and entertain.
  
  

Mount Rushmore

• Mount Rushmore is located in Keystone, South Dakota in the Black Hills National Forest and features the busts of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. This monument stretches over 1,278 acres of land and is over 5,000 feet above sea level. Originally, the mountain was known as Lakota Sioux; however, it was renamed after explorer and New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore in 1885. The actual monument was carved into the side of the granite mountain by Gutzon Borglum with the help of 400 workers using dynamite and hand tools. The entire project took 14 years to complete (1927 to 1941) and astonishingly no deaths occurred. Currently, Mount Rushmore is maintained by the National Park Service and over two million tourists visit this monument annually. While there is no admission fee to visit Mount Rushmore, visitors must pay a $10.00 parking fee; however, this fee validates parking for an entire year. The National Park Service suggests spending at least two hours at the park to fully enjoy the monument and surrounding activities.
  
  Mount Rushmore
  Keystone, SD
  605-574-2523
  nps.gov
  
  

The Alamo

• The Alamo, which was originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero was constructed in 1724 and housed Christian missionaries along with Native American converts. This monument didn't gain its current name until the early 1800s when Spanish military soldiers dubbed the building the Alamo, which is Spanish for cottonwood. During the Texas Revolution the Alamo was seized by Mexican soldiers after Texas soldiers battled hundreds of Mexican soldiers for 13 days of continuous fighting. Eventually losing the battle, the Alamo has become a symbol of freedom and courage. Located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo sees more than two million visitors annually. The Alamo is open throughout the year except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission to the Alamo is free and visitors are able to walk throughout the interior of the building and view exhibits features time-period artifacts.
  
  The Alamo
  300 Alamo Plaza
  San Antonio, TX 78205
  210-225-1391
  thealamo.org
  
  

The Gateway Arch

• The Gateway Arch, also known as St. Louis Arch, is located in St. Louis, Missouri and was constructed to commemorate the westward expansion of America. Designed by Eero Saarinen and Hannskarl Bandel in 1947, this monument stretches 630 feet into the air, which makes it the tallest monument in America as of 2010. Construction on the Gateway Arch started in 1963 and it was opened to the public on July 10, 1967. When visitors arrive, they walk underground to the main entrance. Here a small interactive museum tells the story of Missouri as well as the construction of the Arch. Visitors can then purchase tickets ($10.00 as of 2010), and ride an egg-shaped tram to the top of the arch. At the top, guests can enjoy a clear view of downtown St. Louis and Illinois through small rectangular windows. Visitors can remain at the top of the arch for as long as they desire before riding the tram back to ground level. Parking for the Gateway Arch is free and pets are welcome at the park but not in the Arch.
  
  Gateway Arch
  11 N 4th St
  St. Louis, MO 63102
  314-655-1700
  gatewayarch.com