Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Number 10

Hoover Dam

Colorado River, Arizona/Nevada state line

The idea of 4.36 million cubic yards of concrete alone doesn’t sound like much of a landmark. But when that cement refers to the Hoover Dam and its operations, that’s something else. Just a short drive from Las Vegas -- and a source of power for Sin City’s gazillion lights -- our No. 10 landmark is one that can be appreciated by day when tours are available, as well as by night when the crowds have gone and the well-lit mass seems even greater in size against the walls of Black Canyon.

Number 9

Hollywood Sign

Hollywood, California

Unlike the selection process for our countdown, it was easy to whittle down all the American landmarks in greater L.A. and yet connect them all. Our No. 9 American landmark is the Hollywood sign. Completed in 1923 on Mt. Lee as a temporary advertisement for a Hollywood Hills residential development company (and reading “Hollywoodland” at the time), the sign quickly became associated with Hollywood itself -- especially after actress Peg Entwistle committed suicide with a jump off the “H” in 1932. And like any proper star, the sign has had its share of fame and scandal, plus it has undergone face-lifts over the decades to defy its age. There’s nothing more L.A. than that.

Number 8

USS Arizona Memorial

Honolulu, Hawaii

The nation forever changed after the morning of December 7, 1941. What had been passive concern for events happening continents away suddenly hit home in a deadly attack. Lest we forget, the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor serves as a somber reminder to the momentous event that took place over 65 years ago, enabling visitors an up-close view of the Arizona’s mostly submerged remains in addition to the other features and tributes at the memorial. It’s not exactly a feel-good time when you visit, but it’s still a reality check worth experiencing.

Number 7

Empire State Building

New York, New York

Not many American landmarks have their own zip code or have been depicted as a jungle gym for an ape. It doesn’t seem possible for this 102-floor New York City landmark to have gone up so quickly, but it did, in one year and 45 days from 1930-31. Sure, it’s a tourist trap (3.5 million yearly) and the lines for the elevators will keep you waiting to get to the 86th floor observation deck. But this just gives you more time to admire the art deco styling and ponder its place in our culture.

Number 6

Liberty Bell

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There are a lot of symbolic reminders of American freedom, but few date as far back as the Liberty Bell. No, you can’t walk up and ring it, but you can see the one-ton dinger on display in the Liberty Bell Center at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. And you really do need to see it for yourself to truly understand its significance in the country’s history. Photos can’t convey the symbolism and substantial presence of this landmark, especially with Independence Hall in the background. One visit and you just might not take your freedom for granted anymore.

Number 5

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 678