Historical Wonders Bookends

Worldly recognized as a symbol of heroic courage in the fight against oppression, The Alamo started as a small Spanish mission, run by Franciscan missionaries, strategically located on El Camino Real (The King's Highway). The infamous battle peaked at dawn on March 6, 1836, under the attack of the Mexican Army, led by Santa Anna. All of the Alamo occupants died, except women, children and one man. It was the battle cry "Remember The Alamo" that later spurred on the forces of Sam Houston at San Jacinto.

Big Ben, the great clock of Westminster Palace and House Of Parliament, was designed by August Pugin, and took over 40 years to build. The name Big Ben refers not to the clock itself, but to the 13 ton bell hung withing the tower. It was named after the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall.

Commissioned by Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty, The Forbidden City remains the largest and best preserved complex of ancient buildings in all of China. The rectangular shaped complex is 961 meters north to south and 753 meters from east to west. There are 8,700 rooms. It is a masterpiece of architectural art on the traditional style of Chinese palace buildings.

The Empire State Building was built in only one year and 45 days, still a record for a skyscraper of such height. Measuring 250 feet high, it is struck by lightning more than 100 times each year. Designed by architect William Lamb on the shape of his pencil, the Empire State Building remains an enduring icon of the economic growth and architectural achievements of the 20th Century.

The Eiffel Tower is a 19th century iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris that has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower, which is the tallest building in Paris, is the single most visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair.

The Golden Gate Bridge, named after the Golden Gate Strait, which it crosses, stands as a constant and enduring symbol of style and grace in the Industrial Age. Built from 1933 to 1937, the bridge spans 1.7 miles and has a center span 4,200 feet long. The top of the tower stands 746 feet high. Known for its International Orange paint color, the bridge complements the natural landscape surrounding the bridge and enhances visibility to passing ships in both clear weather and fog.

Located on the northeast edge of Harney Peak Granite Batholith in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore was chiseled out of granite between 1927 and 1941. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum used dynamite in an innovative and unprecedented way to remove large amounts of rock quickly and inexpensively. In all, 450,000 tons of granite were removed to create the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln. Borglum died in 1931, but the piece was finished by his son Lincoln.

In 1172, the Pisan widow Berta di Bernardo left 60 coins in her will to purchase the stone to build "Torre Pendente di Pisa". Erected over a period of almost 200 years, construction was often halted due to continuing wars with neighboring provinces, not to mention obvious structural problems.The initial mistake? Location! Built atop layers of sand and clay, the architects were doomed from the start. Today, the world famous tower still stands to the amazement of locals and visitors alike. The upper section now overhangs the base by more than 14 feet!

The Erectheum of the Acropolis sits upon the most sacred site of the Acropolis. Where Poseidon and Athena held their contest over who would become patron of the city. Athena touched the ground with her spear and an olive tree grew. Athena was declared the victor and the great city of Athens was named for her. The columns of this part of the acropolis are carved maidens, known as Caryatids, therefore, this section is known as the Porch Of The Maidens.

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the latest of the existing triumphal arches in Rome.

Built by the Emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, The Colosseum exemplifies a complex elliptical design which had to be worked out mathematically, with room for 50,000 spectators. It housed such public events as gladiator fights, mock naval battles, wild animal hunts and chariot races.

Saint Basil's Cathedral is a multi-tented church on the Red Square in Moscow that also features distinctive onion domes. It is very often mistaken for the Church of the Savior on Blood, located in St. Petersburg. In the West, it is frequently confused with the Kremlin which overlooks it. Arguably the most recognized building in Russia, it is an international symbol for the nation and for the city of Moscow.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India was erected by Emperor Shan Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife (and Queen) Mumtaz Mahal. It took more than 20,000 workers over 23 years to create this breathtaking palace. One of the 8 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal still houses the graves of the Emperor and his Queen.