In March of 2006, Elvis Presleys Graceland estate was raised to the level of Washingtons Mount Vernon and Jeffersons Monticello. It officially became a National Historic Monument. Of course, long before the Secretary of the Interior made this public announcement, Presley fans worldwide had made his home a popular tourist destination; Graceland already attracted more …
Ellis Island: Site of Picnics, War, and Immigration
Ellis Island: Site of Picnics, War, and Immigration Ellis Island in New York Harbor was once the main immigration station for people entering the United States. About a third of Americans can trace their ancestry to this entry point. Today Ellis Island is a museum accessible by ferryboat. The island is named for Samuel Ellis, …
Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge
Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge May 27, 1937 was Pedestrian Day in San Francisco. This kicked off a week-long celebration of the new Golden Gate Bridge. Pedestrian Day meant that the bridge was open to foot traffic for 25 cents per person. About 200,000 people paid the fee and crossed the 1.7-mile span in …