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Love American Landmarks?

Test your knowledge of how well you know these famous structures


spinner image View of Golden Gate bridge.
Roy Prasad/Getty Images

Question 1 of 9

True or false: There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam to build a 5-foot-wide sidewalk around the Earth at the equator.

There is just enough for a 4-foot-wide sidewalk around the Earth at the equator. Hoover Dam, located in Boulder City, Nevada, is 725 feet high and weighs 6.6 million tons. You’ll feel on top of the world on the observation deck, which has 360-degree views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead and the Hoover Bypass Bridge. Guided tours of the grounds and the dam’s historic tunnels are available. After visiting the dam, drive to Valley of Fire State Park to marvel at the spectacular Aztec sandstone valley.

Question 2 of 9

How many people visit the National Mall in Washington, D.C., each year?

The National Mall is America’s greatest collection of landmarks, so it’s no wonder it attracts so many visitors. The 2-mile-long mall has more than 65 monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial and the steps where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

Question 3 of 9

In which landmark structure can you enjoy a cocktail while experiencing the world’s first and only revolving glass floor? 

Towering 500 feet above the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, the Washington state landmark serves cocktails and sophisticated small bites at the Loupe Lounge. Here you can circle around on its rotating glass floor for unparalleled views of Seattle and all its surrounding glory. If you are traveling with the under-21 crowd, you can still soak in the 360-degree view on the “floor to forever glass” upper level and outdoor viewing deck.

Question 4 of 9

Which four presidents’ faces are carved on Mount Rushmore?

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum selected these four presidents because he felt they were the most representative of important events in U.S. history. Borglum began the project in 1927 and worked on it until his death in 1941. His son, Lincoln, completed the work and stayed on for a few years afterward as the first national park superintendent at Mount Rushmore. To see more of the surrounding area, book a ride on the 1880 Train — the oldest continuously operating tourist train in the country.

Question 5 of 9

Which country gifted the United States the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of friendship?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. France raised the funds for the building and transporting of the statue, while the U.S. raised the money for the pedestal. The most notable American fundraiser was newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Lady Liberty is one of the most recognizable statues in the world. Almost 14 million immigrants entered the U.S. through New York between 1886 and 1924, and to many of them, the statue was a beacon of hope. To visit the Statue of Liberty’s crown, purchase tickets in advance.

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Question 6 of 9

True or false: The official color of the paint used on the Golden Gate Bridge is international orange.

It is no secret formula, either. In fact, the color international orange has been around for a long time in the aerospace industry and is widely used by NASA. The exact formula painted on the Golden Gate, officially named Golden Gate Bridge international orange, is a deeper shade. The color was chosen for aesthetic reasons but also to increase the bridge’s visibility in the fog. For another view of the Golden Gate, take the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island.

Question 7 of 9

What is the official name of the sculpture that is affectionately called “The Bean” in Chicago?

Cloud Gate is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art exhibits. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor, it was inspired by liquid mercury. Its name comes from the reflection of the clouds in the sky above and the underbelly that visitors can walk through. While in the area, make your way over to McCormick Tribune Plaza to go ice-skating (the ice rink is converted into an outdoor dining area in the spring).

Question 8 of 9

What historic fort served as the start of the Civil War?

Located in Charleston Harbor and accessible only by boat, Fort Sumter was attacked by the Confederacy on April 12, 1861, officially marking the beginning of the U.S. Civil War. Thirty-four hours after being attacked, the fort’s Union forces surrendered. The war continued for four years, and more than 620,000 Americans died. Explore the grounds and tour the island by boat with Fort Sumter Tours. 

Question 9 of 9

Which national landmark celebrates the westward expansion of the United States? 

Following a nationwide competition in 1947-1948, architect Eero Saarinen’s arched design was selected to commemorate westward expansion. The 630-foot concrete and steel structure is America’s tallest monument. Completed in October 1965 and opened to the public in 1967, it has since attracted millions of visitors. If heights aren’t your thing, you can take in the St. Louis skyline and breathtaking views of the arch from a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi. 

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