American Symbols, Landmarks, and Monuments Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 5 PDF Download

Introduction

American Symbols

American symbols are things that stand for the United States and its people.

• The American flag, with stars and stripes, shows unity and freedom.
• The bald eagle is a symbol of strength and courage.
• The Great Seal has an eagle, stars, and a shield, used on official papers.
• The Liberty Bell stands for freedom and is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem, a song about the flag.
• The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of hope and friendship with other countries.
• Uncle Sam is a figure that represents the U.S. government.
• The national motto, "In God We Trust," is on money and buildings.

American Landmarks and Monuments

Part I

• Landmarks are important places that tell America’s story.
• Monuments are built to honor people or events from history.
• The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is a landmark that stands for freedom.
• Independence Hall, also in Philadelphia, is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
• The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is where Congress makes laws.
• The Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., is where judges decide important cases.
• The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., hold history, art, and science treasures.

Part II

• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, shows America’s growth to the west.
• The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a landmark from a famous battle for Texas independence.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors a leader who fought for equal rights.
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., remembers soldiers who died in the Vietnam War.
• The 9/11 Memorial in New York City honors people lost in the 2001 attacks.
• The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a natural landmark known for its beauty.
• Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is famous for its wildlife and geysers.

Famous Symbols and Landmarks of the United States

The American Flag

The American flag has 50 stars, one for each state.

• It has 13 stripes for the original 13 colonies.
• The colors red, white, and blue stand for courage, purity, and justice.
• The flag is called "Stars and Stripes" or "Old Glory."
• It is raised at schools, government buildings, and homes.
• The flag is folded in a special way during ceremonies to show respect.
• The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise to honor the flag and country.
• The flag is flown at half-mast to show sadness for important losses.

The White House

The White House is in Washington, D.C., and is the President’s home and office.

• It was built in 1800 and is made of white-painted stone.
• The President meets world leaders and makes important decisions there.
• It has 132 rooms, including the Oval Office where the President works.
• The First Family lives in the private areas of the White House.
• It has a famous garden called the Rose Garden.
• People can visit some parts of the White House on tours.
• It is a symbol of the U.S. government and leadership.

The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a tall stone tower in Washington, D.C.

• It was built to honor George Washington, the first U.S. President.
• It is 555 feet tall and shaped like an obelisk.
• Construction started in 1848 and finished in 1884.
• It is made of marble, granite, and bluestone.
• Visitors can go to the top for a view of the city.
• It stands in the National Mall, a park with many monuments.
• It is a symbol of leadership and America’s first President.

The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall.

• It honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President.
• It was built in 1922 and looks like a Greek temple.
• Inside is a large statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in a chair.
• Lincoln helped keep the country together during the Civil War.
• His famous speeches are carved on the walls inside.
• Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech there.
• It is a place to remember equality and unity.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

• It was a gift from France in 1886 to celebrate friendship.
• It is a tall statue of a woman holding a torch and a tablet.
• The torch stands for freedom, and the tablet has the date July 4, 1776.
• It is made of copper and has turned green over time.
• People can climb to the crown for a view of the city.
• It welcomed immigrants coming to America by ship.
• It is a symbol of hope, freedom, and welcome.

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a tall skyscraper in New York City.

• It was built in 1931 and has 102 floors.
• It was the tallest building in the world for many years.
• It is made of steel and limestone and has an Art Deco style.
• Visitors can go to observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
• It is lit up in different colors for holidays and events.
• It is a symbol of American progress and city life.
• It appears in many movies and shows about New York.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is in San Francisco, California.

• It was built in 1937 and crosses the Golden Gate Strait.
• It is a suspension bridge painted red-orange.
• It connects San Francisco to Marin County.
• It is 1.7 miles long and has tall towers for support.
• People can walk or bike across the bridge.
• It is a symbol of engineering and California’s beauty.
• It is one of the most famous bridges in the world.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

• It is a huge sculpture carved into a mountain.
• It shows the faces of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
• It was carved between 1927 and 1941 by Gutzon Borglum.
• Each face is about 60 feet tall.
• It honors the Presidents’ work in building America.
• Visitors come to see the carving and learn about history.
• It is a symbol of American leadership and pride.