The Battle of Gettysburg served as a vital turning point of the American Civil War. Despite these catastrophic losses—the Union suffered 23,000 casualties; the South 28,000—the Union defended itself from the Confederate army pushing north toward Washington, D.C. The Gettysburg Battlefield explores the cultural, economical, and political causes of the bloodiest war the United States ever fought, putting the fight against slavery and secession into context for young readers through vivid photographs and illustrations, informative sidebars, and quotes from soldiers involved in the battle.
The Washington Monument (Symbols of American Freedom)
Shortly after George Washington's death in 1799, Congress recognized the need for a presidential monument in his honor. However, progress did not begin on the structure until 1832. The Washington Monument traces the construction of the monument from its design by Robert Mills to halts in construction due to lack of funds and the Civil War to its dedication in 1885. Today, the world's largest obelisk stands as an eternal reminder of the accomplishments of the nation's first president.
As the country grew, settlers pushed westward across the Mississippi River to claim land and begin new lives. From Lewis and Clark's famed expedition to the uncharted western lands to the trials faced by early pioneers, The Gateway Archillustrates the persevering spirit of the Americans exploring the western frontier. The tallest national monument at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch, constructed in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1960s, symbolizes how the city served as a meeting area, resting place, and starting point for thousands of settlers during the 19th century
The monument on Mount Rushmore stands as a record of the first 150 years of U.S. history. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln remind visitors that these presidents each had a role in preserving the Republic and expanding its territory. Mount Rushmoretraces the importance of the site throughout American history, beginning with its place as a sacred site for the Lakota Sioux to its current role as the major tourist attraction of South Dakota.
When the 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, they knew that they were making history. When it was read aloud outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a new nation was founded. Independence Hallcolorfully illustrates the many historical acts that took place within the red brick walls of this landmark building. Informative sidebars, a timeline of events, a bibliography for further reference, and a glossary of unfamiliar terms aid young readers as they explore the establishment of the United States of America.
