1. Golden Gate Bridge
Location: San Francisco, Marin County, California-USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide, three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. On 1920, the engineer and bridge-builder Joseph Strauss decided to construct across the golden gate.Many groups opposed but the engineering challenge was also enormous – the Golden Gate Bridge area often has winds of up to 60 miles per hour, and had clearance of water averages at 220 feet (67 m) to build. The bridge at 746 feet (227 m) above the water. Until 1998, it was the world’s tallest bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge construction began when San Francisco voters approved $35 million in bonds. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County, bridging both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait. The bridge is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States.
It opened in 1937 and was, until 1964, the longest suspension bridge main span in the world, at 4,200 feet (1,300 m). Until 1964, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge main span in the world, at 4,200 feet (1,300 m). Since 1964 its main span length has been surpassed by ten bridges; it now has the second-longest main span in the United States, after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City.
Total length of the bridge is 8,981 feet 2,737 m. The weight of the roadway is hung from two cables that pass through the two main towers and are fixed in concrete at each end. Each cable is made of 27,572 strands of wire. There are 80,000 miles (130,000 km) of wire in the main cables. Approximately 1.2 million steel rivets hold the bridge together.It has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
2. Grand Canyon
Located: Northern Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon is famous all over the world for its size and colorful landscape. Totally over 270 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep, the canyon’s walls beautifully contained rock layers that reveal a timeline of Earth’s history. It has been a place for human use and occupation for millennia.
In the early 1800s, trappers and expeditions sent by the U.S. government began to explore and map the canyon. It was first afforded Federal protection in 1893 as a Forest Reserve and later a National Monument, achieving National Park status in 1919.
After 3 years surrounded more than 1 million acres of land and receives close to 5 million visitors each year.In the early 20th century, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation plans for a massive dam on the Arizona-Nevada border to tame the Colorado River and provide water and hydroelectric power for the developing southwest. To construct dam the crew bored into carbon monoxide-choked tunnels and dangled from heights of 800 feet to clear canyon walls.
On 1935, the largest dam in the world was completed. This National Historic Landmark stores enough water in Lake Mead to irrigate 2 million acres and serves as a popular tourist destination.
3. Hoover dam
Location: Near Boulder City, southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hoover Dam, the name was kept by Ray L. Wilbur at 1930 dedication ceremony because of its structure, though the name didn’t become official until 1947.
The U.S. government proposed to build 60-story arch dam to the contractor. The contract was awarded in March 1931 to Six Companies, a group of construction firms that had pooled its resources to meet the steep $5 million performance bond.
From August 1931a60days strike because workers were toiled in 140-degree tunnels choked with carbon monoxide and dust and involved the clearing of the walls that would contain the dam. It contains 600 miles of pipe loops were embedded to circulate water through the poured blocks, with workers continually spraying the concrete to keep it moist. The final block of concrete was poured and topped off at 726 feet above the canyon floor in 1935.Its height is 221m and consumed 89 hectares.
On September 30, the structure completed so a crowd of 20,000 people watched President Franklin Roosevelt. Approximately 5 million barrels of cement and 45 million pounds of reinforcement steel had gone for the dam, its 6.6 million tons of concrete enough to pave a road from San Francisco to New York City. Altogether, some 21,000 workers contributed to its construction.
Hoover Dam opened at 1936 and fulfilled the goal by capable of irrigating 2 million acres, its 17 turbines generate enough electricity to power 1.3 million homes. The dam was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders in 1994. Annually, it receives some 7 million visitors.
4. Kings Island
Location: Northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio
Kings Island is a 364-acre (147 ha) amusement park. It is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. On April 29, 1972 the park is opened by the Taft Broadcasting Company in an effort to move and expand Coney Island, a popular resort destination along the banks of the Ohio River that was prone to frequent flooding. After more than $275 million in capital investments, the park features over 80 rides, shows and attractions including 14roller coasters and a 33-acre (13 ha) water park.
Throughout its history, Kings Island has appeared in popular sitcoms and has been highly publicized for its record-breaking attractions and events. Other attractions such as The Beast and Banshee set new world records including some that are still held.
Kings Island is divided into several themed sections. The seasonal amusement park from April and reopens for a short time on weekends beginning in September for Halloween-themed events. In 2014, Kings Island was the second-most visited seasonal amusement park in the United States behind Cedar Point with an estimated 3.2 million visitors. It was third overall for seasonal attendance in North America which was led by Canada’s Wonderland. Kings Island has won Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for having the “Best Kids Area” in the world for fourteen consecutive years (2001–2014).
5. Magic Kingdom Park
Location: Orlando, Florida
Magic Kingdom Park is known as Magic Kingdom, First four theme parks were built at the Walt Disney World Resort in bay lake. Its the other one opened on October 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, its layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. In 2014, the park hosted 19.33 million visitors, making it the most visited theme park in the world for the sixth consecutive year.
The park is represented by Cinderella Castle, inspired by the fairy tale castle seen in the 1950 film.Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed “lands.” It is designed like a wheel, with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres (43 ha) of the park and lead to these six lands. The 3 ft. (914 mm) narrow gauge Walt Disney World Railroad runs along the perimeter of the park and makes stops at Main Street, U.S.A., Frontier land, and Fantasyland.
6. Niagara Falls
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Niagara Falls consists of two waterfalls on the Niagara River, which marks the border between New York and Ontario.
It is estimated that 12,000 years ago when the falls were formed, the edge of the falls was as much as seven miles further down river than it is today. The water that runs over the falls comes from the Great Lakes. 90% of the water goes over the Horseshoe Falls. Originally, as much as 5.5. Billion gallons of water per hour flowed over the falls. Today the amount is controlled by the Canadian and American governments to slow erosion. In addition, some of the water is diverted to provide power for the United States and Canada, making Niagara falls the largest source of electric power in the world.
The Horseshoe Falls are 170 feet high. The brink of the falls is approximately 2,500 feet from one side to the other. The American Falls are 180 feet high and 1,100 feet Long. Niagara Falls averages of 170 feet deep.
It has been one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners in the world since promoters for the area helped institute “honeymooning” as a tradition in the mid-nineteenth century. The 1953 film Niagara starred Marilyn Monroe as a honeymooner with a wandering eye. Twelve million tourists from all over the world visit Niagara Falls every summer.
7. White House
Location: Washington
The inauguration of President George Washington in 1789, plans to build an official President’s House in a federal district along the Potomac River took shape by Irish-born architect James Hoban in the 1790s.
The cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792, and over the next eight years a construction team comprised of both enslaved and freed African Americans and European immigrants built the Aquia Creek sandstone structure. It was coated with lime-based whitewash in 1798, producing a colour that gave rise to its famous nickname. It was built at a cost of $232,372 on November 1, 1800. On 1805, Jefferson transformed the building into a more suitable representation of a leader’s home, the first inaugural function held and also opened its doors for public tours and receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July.
Burned to the ground by the British in August 1814, and Rebuilt the “President’s House” with installation of electricity.Upon reassuming residency in 1817, James Madison and his wife Dolley gave the regal touch by decorating with extravagant French furniture.
On 1824 and 1829, while John Quincy Adams established the residence’s first flower garden. The Fillmore’s added a library in the second-floor oval room, while the Arthur’s hired famed decorator Louis Tiffany to redecorate the east, blue, red and state dining rooms.
William Taft hired architect Nathan Wyeth to expand the executive wing in 1909 as oval office. In 1913, the White House added another enduring feature with Ellen Wilson’s Rose Garden. A fire during the Hoover administration in 1929 destroyed the executive wing.
Architect Eric Gurgler doubled the space known as the “West Wing,” added a swimming pool in the west terrace for the polio-stricken president, and moved the Oval Office to the southeast corner. A new east wing was constructed in 1942, its cloakroom transformed into a movie theatre.
A final major overhaul took place after Harry Truman entered office in 1945. The Truman’s helped redesign most of the state rooms and decorate the second and third floors, and the president proudly displayed the results during a televised tour of the completed house in 1952.
On 1969-70, a porte-cochere and circular drive were added to the exterior of the West Wing, with a new press briefing room installed inside. Following a 1978 study to assess the exterior paint, up to 40 layers were removed in some areas, allowing for repairs of deteriorated stone. Meanwhile, the Carter administration set about adjusting to a new information age by installing the White House’s first computer and laser printer. The internet made its debut in the mansion under the watch of George H.W. Bush in 1992.
Today holds 142 rooms on six floors, the floor space totalling approximately 55,000 square feet. It has hosted longstanding traditions such as the annual Easter Egg Roll, as well as historic events like the 1987 nuclear arms treaty with Russia. The only private residence of a head of state open free of charge to the public, the White House reflects a nation’s history through the accumulated collections of its residing presidents, and serves as a worldwide symbol of the American republic.
8. Zion national park
Location: Utah, United States
It’s almost hard to believe that Zion’s canyon actually used to be a vast desert millions of years ago.The canyon itself was formed a million years ago thanks to flowing water which moved sandstone to form the sheer walls that we admire today.Almost 12,000 years ago, Zion welcomed its first inhabitants. Thanks to a farming tradition developed by the Virgin Anasazi, people thrived in the area as Zion provided level land to grow food and a river to water.
In 1909, President Taft dubbed the land Mukuntuweap National Monument and on March 18, 1918, the monument was enlarged and renamed Zion National Monument.
The Zion was established as a national park on November 19, 1919.From March to October is the best time to visit Zion because of mild weather which is perfect for hikers.
Visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass to enter the park. Private vehicles will be charged $25, motorcycles are charged $12, and persons by foot will be charged $12. All passes are valid for 7 days. Today Zion is again a sanctuary, a place of life and hope.
The Major Attractions
Angel’s landing: A 2.5 mile climb takes visitors upwards to see dramatic cross-canyon views and steep 1,500 foot drops.
The Narrows: These walls stand tall at 2,000 feet high, yet only 18 feet apart in some places. .
Weeping Rock: A self-guided nature trail leads to a curtain of water and to a rock that indeed seems to weep. Water travels through sandstone and shale until seeping through the surface of the Weeping Rock.
Temple of Sinawava: This is a great place to spirit canyon tree frogs, lizards,pocket gophers, and birds.
Emerald Pools: This trail head is very popular for visitors looking to relax in an oasis of natural cliffs, small streams, and maple trees.
Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel: Drivers are amazed to see the road literally disappear into the canyon walls for 1.1 miles. The tunnel was completed in 1930 and is still a sight to behold.
Riverside Walk: One of the most popular trails, this easy 2-mile stroll on a paved path begins at Zion Canyon and ends at the Temple of Sinawava, through gardens of ferns and golden columbine.
9. Garden of the Gods
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
A million of years ago, the Garden of the Gods red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line. Archaeological evidence shows that prehistoric people visited Garden of the Gods about 1330 BC. At about 250 BC Native American people camped in the park.
The Utes oral traditions tell of their creation at the Garden of the Gods. They found red rocks to have a spiritual connection and camped near Manitou Springs and the creek near Ranch bordering Garden of the Gods. From the 16th century, Spanish and later European American explorers were travelled through the area, including Lt. John C. Freemont and Lt. George Frederick Ruxton, who recorded their visits in their journals.
The area was first called Red Rock Corral. In August 1859, two surveyors named M. S. Beach, sand his companion the young Rufus Cable struck by the impressive rock formations declared “Beer Garden”. Then it called as Garden of the Gods.
Having purchased additional surrounding land, the City of Colorado Springs’ park grew to 1,364 acres. In 1995 the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Centre was opened just outside of the park.
The Garden of the Gods was improved by the centre’s information centre and 30 educational exhibits are staffed by Parks, Recreation and Culture employees of the City of Colorado Springs. In Garden of the Gods Foundation the money is used for maintenance and improvements to the park. It also exhibits include minerals, geology, plants and local wildlife, as well as Native Americans who visited the park. Programs include nature hikes and talks, a Junior Ranger program, narrated bus tours, movies, educational programs and special programs for the visitors.
10. Metropolitan museum of art
Location: New York, USA
The Metropolitan Museum of Art founded in1870, is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. Its collection spans 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe. Last year it was visited by 4.7 million people.
More than a century the City of New York and the Trustees of The Metropolitan Museum of Art have been partners in bringing the Museum’s services to the public. The complex of buildings in Central Park is the property of the City, and the City provides for the Museum’s heat, light, and power. The City also pays for approximately one-third the costs of maintenance and security for the facility and its collection. The collection itself is held in trust by the Trustees.
The Museum’s two-million-square-foot building has vast holdings that represent a series of collections, each of which ranks in its category among the finest in the world. The comprehensive collection of American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, presently including 24 period rooms which contains the view of American history and domestic life.
Approximately 2,500 European paintings form one of the greatest such collections in the world. Virtually 36,000 objects constituting the greatest collection of Egyptian art outside Cairo are on display, while the Islamic art collection is one of the world’s finest.
Other major collections belonging to the Museum include arms and armour, Asian art, costumes, European sculpture and decorative arts, medieval and Renaissance art, musical instruments, drawings, prints, antiquities from around the ancient world, photography, and modern and contemporary art. More than a million objects are on view from every corner of the world.
The American Wing, the final phase of which (the paintings galleries) is scheduled to reopen in early 2012.From educational side the Families and children of all ages have fun while they are learning about art in a wide variety of programs and events scheduled daily in the Museum’s galleries and classrooms. These programs include workshops, tours, lectures, film showings, and more. Many programs are designed to accompany temporary special exhibitions.
