Memorials and monuments in the United States

Iconic Memorials & Monuments

This selection highlights the architectural diversity and historical depth of American monuments. It features the iconic neoclassical marble structures of the National Mall, such as the Lincoln and Washington Monuments, alongside modern tributes like the National September 11 Memorial's reflecting pools. The list includes unique sites like the 12th-century Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle and the ongoing mountain-carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial. From the bronze soldiers of the Korean War Veterans Memorial to the eternal flame at JFK’s gravesite, these sites honor pivotal moments and figures in United States history.

Iconic Memorials & Monuments — Map

Farragutful / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Memorial and museum dedicated to commemorating the victims of the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing through artifacts, memorial pools, and educational exhibits.

Jkenwood78 / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Washington Monument

Tall stone obelisk memorial dedicated to George Washington, featuring an observation point with scenic city views and free access.

Another Believer / Public domain

C

Lincoln Memorial

Historic monument dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln featuring a large marble statue and Greek Revival architecture.

Jamieadams99 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Jefferson Memorial

Neoclassical monument dedicated to Thomas Jefferson featuring a marble and bronze statue and a large dome. It offers scenic views of the surrounding area including the Potomac River and is open 24/7 free of charge.

Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Walk of Fame

Sidewalk featuring over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded along several blocks, honoring notable celebrities from the entertainment industry.

Lipton sale / CC BY 3.0

F

World War II Memorial

Monument honoring the service and sacrifice of American military members and support personnel during World War II, featuring symbolic columns, bronze sculptures, and a fountain. Open 24/7 and wheelchair accessible.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad… / Public domain

G

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

National monument honoring American service members who served and died in the Vietnam War, featuring a memorial wall inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers.

Carol M. Highsmith / Public domain

H

Korean War Veterans Memorial

National monument honoring those who served in the Korean War, featuring sculptures, statues, a memorial wall, and a pond.

Jim.henderson / Public domain

I

Castle Clinton

Historic circular sandstone fort that has served as a military installation, immigration processing center, and entertainment venue, now functioning as a museum and national monument.

Gzzz / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Alice in Wonderland

Bronze sculpture depicting characters from Lewis Carroll's classic story, created in 1959 by José de Creeft. The artwork features several figures including Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter.

K

Columbus Circle

Prominent traffic circle and public space featuring a historic monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It serves as a major transportation hub and cultural landmark with nearby notable buildings and subway access.

Ingfbruno / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Boston Common

Historic public park established in 1634, featuring green spaces, historic monuments, and recreational facilities including the Frog Pond. It serves as a site for public gatherings and is part of a larger historic park system.

U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication… / Public domain

M

Pentagon Memorial

The Pentagon Memorial, formally the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, located just southwest of the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia,…

Morn / CC-BY-SA-3.0

N

President John Fitzgerald Kennedy Gravesite

See the grave site and the memorial dedicated to the former President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

U.S. Navy photo / Public domain

O

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historic funerary monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been…

Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

US Marine Corps Memorial

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial is a national memorial located in Arlington County, Virginia.

John de Dios / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Montezuma Castle National Monument Camp Verde

Montezuma Castle National Monument protects a set of well-preserved dwellings located in Camp Verde, Arizona, which were built and used by…

DaveBo206 / CC BY-SA 3.0

R

Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in Custer County, South…

Cpl Aubry L. Buzek / Public domain

S

The Unconditional Surrender

This statue by Seward Johnson resembles a photograph of the most famous kiss in the world - The Kiss of American sailor and a woman in a…

lan chang / CC-BY-SA

T

DC War Memorial

This Doric structure is dedicated to local people who lost their lives during WWI. The names of these men and women are inscribed here.

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