History lovers will delight in visiting America’s many breathtaking and intriguing historic places, from inspiring monuments to poignant memorials that tell its story from both sides.
Wander the halls where George Washington took his oath as our first president at Federal Hall – also home of our first Congress and Supreme Court!
Santo Nino Basilica
Basilica of Santo Nino is an essential stop when visiting Cebu and is widely considered to be the oldest church in the Philippines. Built to house Magellan’s Holy Child relic and serve as an annual festival centerpiece in Cebu called Sinulog, its construction dates back more than 500 years.
The original church was made from hard wood and nipa but was twice destroyed by fires; this third version is constructed using stone instead. While building, builders realized brick churches weren’t suitable for humid Philippine conditions; therefore stone construction is used.
This church features an eye-catching exterior featuring an ornate trefoil design, while its interior boasts impressive architecture and intricate designs, along with religious artifacts and numerous religious artifacts. Cardinal Hildebrando Antoniutti was appointed Papal Legate of the Philippines in 1965 to elevate it to minor basilica status, and now draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.
EDSA Shrine
The EDSA Shrine commemorates the 1986 People Power Revolution. Conceived and constructed by several architects with input from prominent Filipino artists in the late 1980’s, its design embraces “Artists’ Power”, whereby painters, sculptors, and designers collaborated on an aesthetic masterpiece through collective ingenuity. Furthermore, its location honors events associated with first and second EDSA protests.
Designed as a representation and symbol of people’s struggles and aspirations for peace and reconciliation in society. Furthermore, its design also intends to demonstrate this is achievable for ordinary Filipinos.
Inside the shrine are a light well and Adoration Chapel featuring Eduardo Castrillo’s monstrance-sculpture monstrance-sculpture as well as large mural by father-and-son painter Ben and Jake Custodio Alano; their large mural can also be found in the entry hallway, where its long Bakawan handles are meant to symbolize Moses’ staff.
Fort Drum
This post serves as home for the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry as well as Army Reserve and National Guard units from eleven states and Canada, providing full training and operational support services to each.
Fort Drum has long been considered strategically significant to both American Indian tribes and later colonial European powers, yet today is known for its natural beauty: Lake Ontario, Thousand Islands and Adirondack Mountains are all within driving distance of Fort Drum.
Recreation is abundant here, too: fishing, kayaking and boating are popular pastimes, along with hiking or camping in the woods. In addition, Alexandria Bay features many museums and historic centers as well as vibrant shopping districts featuring great restaurants and breweries – not forgetting that its iconic 4th of July fireworks display over Bolt Castle draws crowds from throughout North Country!
MacArthur Park
MacArthur Park is an incredible source of culture and history. Not only is this park full of paths and open green spaces, but it has become a focal point for community gatherings and cultural events – even home to the Tower Building which housed the Museum of Arkansas Military History!
Jimmy Webb wrote and Richard Harris first recorded “MacArthur Park”, later covered by numerous artists – Donna Summer’s disco arrangement even reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100 charts! A timeless classic which continues to resonate with music fans today.
Park history can be honored in various ways, such as through films and TV shows that have been shot there, most famously the 1985 Sidney Poitier-led A Patch of Blue film; other movies featuring this area include Curb Your Enthusiasm and numerous others.
