American Landmarks: Why Did They Build That There?

American Landmarks: Why Did They Build That There?

It’s easy to understand why the Washington Monument is in Washington, DC or the Empire State Building is in New York City. Some landmarks, however, are not so obvious. Why, for example, did they create Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or build the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland? Here is a look at some popular U.S. landmarks and the reason they built it where they did.

Mount Rushmore

The site for Mount Rushmore, featuring the faces of four iconic presidents was chosen by historian Doane Robinson in the Black Hills of South Dakota, not for some patriotic purpose. It was chosen as a way to promote tourism in the state. Doane, by the way, was from South Dakota. The idea was conceived in 1923 and completed in 1941. Tourism is now the second largest industry in South Dakota. Sounds like a Chamber of Commerce Award winner.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

People often wonder why the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland, Ohio. It was partly because local DJ Alan Freed is given credit with coining the phrase “Rock & Roll” and he held the first major rock & roll concert; the Moondog Coronation Ball in the city. Cleveland also extensively lobbied for the Hall to be located there, winning in an influential poll conducted by USA Today. Other cities considered included New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, Memphis and Cincinnati.

The Arch in St. Louis

The idea for a monument to revitalize St. Louis’ Mississippi Riverfront area was first floated in 1933 but the Gateway Arch wasn’t completed until 1965. An arch was chosen in tribute to the city’s contribution to Westward expansion in the US. The arch was constructed upward from both legs with the final piece placed at the very top, connecting the legs and completing the arch. It also avoided a potentially embarrassing engineering mistake.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame

Many are puzzled as to why the Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in relatively obscure Canton, Ohio. There are three reasons. First, the NFL was actually founded in the community in 1920, then known as the American Professional Football Association. The second reason is that the Canton Bulldogs were the league’s first two-time champion winning the title in 1922 and 1923. Finally, the city raised nearly $400,000 to build the initial structure in the early 1960’s. Money talks and Bulldogs walk.

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in the United States, and knowing why they are where they are can add to the interest.

If you are planning a trip, consider affordable travel insurance. A travel policy can protect you financially should you need to cancel your trip or if your trip is altered through no fault of your own.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Non-Profits Need Protection Too! Safeguarding Your Good Works with Insurance

Non-Profits and Insurance: Myths Busted! Protecting Your Good Works

Beyond the Grave: Burial Insurance vs. Life Insurance Explained

Don’t Be Buried by Confusion: Understanding Burial and Life Insurance

Cracking the Code: Your Car’s VIN and What It Means to You

VIN Decoder Ring: Unveiling the Mysteries of Your Car’s Identification Number

The Aftermath: Proving Your Possessions After a Disaster

Homeowner’s Insurance Hero: How to Prepare for a Claim Before Disaster Strikes

Lost in Translation: Skills of the Past That Young People Might Miss Out On

From Fax Machines to Fancy Footwork: 6 Skills Younger Generations Might Not Have

Beyond the Box Truck: When Does Your Business Need Special Vehicle Insurance?

Business on the Move? Don’t Get Stuck Without the Right Vehicle Insurance

From Bronze Age to Boomers: How Life Expectancy Went From Meh to Magnificent

How Long Will You Live? A Look at Life Expectancy Throughout History (and Why You Might Need Life Insurance)

From Chauffeur to Cheerleader: The Teen Driver’s (and Parent’s!) Guide to Car-Buying Chaos

Teen Driver on the Horizon? This Guide Will Steer You Through Car-Buying Chaos

When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?

Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance

From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads

A Look Back, and a Look Forward