11 United States Landmarks That Look Totally Different Up Close

When you think of some of the greatest sites in the United States, you may envision postcard-worthy landscapes or popular attractions you see in brochures. What many people don’t know is what those landmarks really look like up close.

There are structures that are much larger than you would expect and details you would never have noticed on a postcard. Many visitors to these 11 landmarks are often startled by the details they have missed.

The Statue of Liberty

At a distance, the Statue of Liberty is a beacon of liberty, but getting closer, you can examine how the folds of the gown are sculpted, the size of the sandals, and the vibrant green hue we know so well. Far larger than she appears in pictures taken from the stands, there is notably excellent craftsmanship in the sculpting of her face. The statue is also quite tall, standing at 305 feet, including its structural base.

Mount Rushmore

The work that went into carving four of the most influential figures in American history on the side of Mount Rushmore is evident when you gaze upon its colossal glory. Every cut and chisel is striking when you look on from the base of the mountain. It is inspiring to realize the creativity that went into these carvings. How the bas-relief captures the natural rock; The individual representation of each president is larger than life and awe-striking.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge, with its fiery orange color, can be spotted from a mile away. It is even more astounding up close. Its extensive cables and complicated rivets are a testament to the complex engineering and intentional design. The bright orange color intended to make it visible in the fog has become its most recognizable feature. Anyone interested in engineering and building bridges would appreciate the intricacy and strength of those cables.

The White House

The White House stands regal in all its glory but is even more impressive up close. Its carefully carved windows and its seemingly smooth white stone, which is actually a textured surface, attract tourists in their numbers. With its centuries of history and influence, it is no surprise that this landmark elicits awe from onlookers who flock to its location to behold its beauty and influence.

The Grand Canyon

You see only the expanse of the Grand Canyon when you are standing at the edge of the rim, but the actual walls of the canyon look markedly different. When walking along the trails, it is easy to feel how old and eroded the rocks are. One can appreciate the changes the rocks go through over time as they withstand the forces of the elements.

The Gateway Arch

At a distance the Gateway Arch in St. Louis appears to be a thin curve of metal, but its size often catches visitors by surprise. It is much larger up close, with an external shell made of stainless steel and a unique glow, which is a result of the reflection of light from the steel surface. It towers 630 feet above the ground and is truly an architectural wonder.

The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign is a well-known and frequently visited attraction. Located in Los Angeles, California, this massive lettering, which has been featured in several movies, on several postcards, and on many people’s wish lists, is- not surprisingly- weathered. Standing sentinel on the hills, each letter is a metal giant cut boldly to be visible to the public from a distance.

The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a tall stone structure in the skyline of D.C.. The variations in color of the marble and stone are much more pronounced up close, which can be explained when we discover that the monument was constructed in phases using various types of marble. This 555-foot tall structure can be intimidating up close, but it has remained a beloved landmark in America.

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building may look like any other skyscraper, but it is significantly larger and taller than its surrounding structures. It is easy to admire the giant from its base. There are geometrical engraves on the stones, particularly at the entrance of the lobby. The architecture is striking and thrilling to behold.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls appears beautiful in any picture or postcard, but an up-close experience is unrivaled by any nature shot or postcard. The rhythm of the rushing water and the thin fog that rises from the falls creates the most magical atmosphere that can only be felt while you are there. It is a serene and breathtaking wonder of nature.

The Alamo

The Alamo represents Texas’ struggle for liberty. The weathered stone structure is a complex architectural marvel. It is also surprisingly small and unpretentious up close. Time and the elements turned this structure into a relic from a different time.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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