Rohan Week 15: How Our Landmarks Create Memories
Sure, many Americans know what a national landmark is. Most will probably be able to name a couple—Angel Island is one in the Bay Area. But only a few will be able to recognize and identify the specific reasons why a national landmark becomes a national landmark: the history and sentiments that are trapped within the walls of a landmark that our country has decided to honor as a National Historic Landmark.
These landmarks also have a significant importance in the memories they create and preserve for many Americans. For example, Angel Island represents memories of immigration to the United States. And while the last group of immigrants passed through Angel Island in 1940, the memories of the place will last for generations. By preserving these places and landmarks and safeguarding them from destruction and future development, the government is playing a pivotal role in preserving the memories for generations to come.
But also, by preserving these landmarks, we are also reminded of our history as a nation. In the United States, there are over two thousand National Historic Landmarks, according to the National Parks Service (source). The service states that these landmarks are “historic properties that illustrate the heritage of the United States.” They are said to “represent an outstanding aspect of American history and culture.” Beyond just preserving memories for people who were directly impacted by the landmarks in the program, National Historic Landmarks also make it possible for Americans to make their own memories. Visits to these sites can teach a lot about our country, and help Americans gain a better understanding of our complex history and heritage.
I wanted to take this opportunity to share some details about a few National Historic Landmarks that I found interesting. All source info can be found on the National Parks Service website, as it runs the National Historic Landmarks Program (source).
Perhaps the most significant and best-known landmark is the Statue of Liberty in New York City. This landmark is a symbol of our nation’s legacy as a welcoming home for people around the world. It also represents the “historical relationship between the United States and our oldest ally, France.”
Another significant landmark is the Golden Gate Bridge, right here in the Bay Area. According to the N.P.S., the bridge and the surrounding areas provide important historical insights on “California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion, and the growth of San Francisco.”
Clearly, the preservation of these sites promotes our ability to better understand the past, and engage with the present. The memories we form when visiting these sites can inform some of our core values. So, whenever possible, I encourage you to take a trip to a National Historic Landmark and enjoy the eye-opening experience.
Hey Rohan! Thank you for sharing your insightful exploration into the significance of national landmarks and the memories they preserve. After reading about Angel Island, I immediately thought about Ellis Island, which I’m sure you know about as well. As one of the most significant landmarks in the United States, Ellis Island symbolizes the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of millions of immigrants who passed through its gates in search of a better life. Much like Angel Island, Ellis Island represents a significant chapter in American history, where the stories of countless individual people connected and intertwined to form the identity of the nation. It really shows that places like these aren't just old buildings or locations—they're like time capsules full of history and emotion. By preserving Ellis Island and other landmarks like it, we not only honor the struggles and triumphs of past generations but also provide opportunities for future generations to connect with their heritage and understand the complexities of the American experience. Moreover, Ellis Island serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of immigration in shaping the identity and character of the United States, highlighting the ongoing need for compassion, understanding, and inclusivity in our society as the country continues to welcome more newcomers and celebrate diversity. Additionally, I agree with your suggestion to visit these places yourself. It's one thing to read about them, but actually being there and experiencing the history firsthand is a whole different story. Your blog made me reflect about how these landmarks shape our identity as Americans and why it's so important to protect them. It's a reminder that our past is worth preserving and learning from.
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ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the way you shared the National Historic Landmarks that you found interesting since it added a personal touch to your blog. I definitely agree with you on how preserving these national landmarks and national parks can have such a profound impact on not only us Americans as individuals but also as a nation. As you mention about Angel Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Gate Bridge, these monuments and landmarks not only play a pivotal role in allowing us to remember our culture and our history but also experience it and keep a part of it, since all these landmarks and places were from a specific, important time period in our history. As I was reading your blog, I couldn’t help but reflect on my previous thoughts and opinions about visiting landmarks and national monuments. I was never a big fan of visiting national landmarks, especially natural parks. I would rather explore a city on my own, finding small yet unique nooks and crannies of cities rather than go on hikes and see the same trees and nature I can find anywhere else. Exploring an unknown city would be much more thrilling and interesting than just watching the same old landscapes and nature. However, after reading your blog, I have realized that there is a lot to explore in these landscapes and monuments, too. While not all of it may be physically exploring these monuments, we would be exploring our history and culture, which I have come to appreciate. Overall, I really enjoyed this blog and look forward to going on a few trips to explore national historic landmarks from now on.
Hello Rohan. Thank you for sharing this interesting blog post since it made me reflect on the rich history of America; after some thought, I realize that I have been lucky enough to visit many important national landmarks. The golden gate bridge, the statue of liberty, and the liberty bell are all some examples of notable pieces of American history that I am glad I got the opportunity to see in person. However, my personal connection to these landmarks pales in comparison to the connection that many immigrants must feel to Angel or Ellis Island—as you said, those places used to be crucial steps in the entry process for any immigrants in the early 1900s, so families who passed through these immigration centers must have carried some memories from the islands for years, even after they comfortably settled in America. On another note, I enjoyed reading this blog due to the engaging structure of the brief, readable paragraphs; it helped make the point in the conclusion—that preserving America’s cultural heritage is valuable—more clear. I definitely agree with this conclusion, since I believe that every country should take concrete efforts to maintain its own culture and history. After all, without the preservation of such history, a country’s national identity would fade away, making it more vulnerable to outside sabotage or civil war, which are both highly undesirable outcomes.
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