In the last post, I wrote about the list by True West of historic sites “that will make you weep.” That article contains a couple of secondary lists. One of those is “10 Western History Shrines That Will Inspire You.” Following are the ones that I have visited.
1. The Arch, St. Louis, Missouri – It is impressive to see. Driving into St. Louis, anyone can see that it dominates the skyline. However, I never saw it as inspiring. That could be because I have never been in it. I have been at its base and in the underground museum about westward expansion. However, my dislike of heights has kept me from going to the top. By the way, its real name is the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
2. The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas – In the last post, I wrote about my disappointment with the Alamo. Any place where people gave their lives is a place of inspiration. However, I cannot get over my initial feelings about the site.
3. Custer National Cemetery, Little Big Horn National Historic Battlefield – Before you get to the welcome center or the battlefield, you pass the cemetery. Like other military cemeteries, this one makes you think about all of those who gave their lives for their country. Our nation has not always gone into a fight for a just reason, but that does not lessen the sacrifices of those who served.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – The last time I was in the park was with my dad, my brother and my nephews. We did not go into the heart of the park but walked around the Mammoth Hot Springs and the Yellowstone River. The natural wonders are amazing, and the power of the earth is inspiring. Everyone should see Old Faithful at least once.
5. The Palace of the Governor’s, Santa Fe, New Mexico – I could have been there this week but had other things to do. It is the oldest government building in the United States. Today, it is a museum, but it has witness great events in history. It has been under Spanish rule and American rule. Heck, it has also been under Confederate rule. Governor Lew Wallace finished his novel, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ, within its walls.
6. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California – My wife and I drove across the bridge on our honeymoon. It is a cool feeling to drive across one of the most famous bridges in the world. However, I did not expect all of the people walking and cycling across it. Just thinking about the power of the currents underneath is enough to inspire.
8. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota – This is truly an amazing site. Looking up at George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln is an inspiring view. However, I cannot help but think that the Black Hills were taken from the Native Americans to get at its gold.
9. Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer, South Dakota – This one is also in the Black Hills and is the Native American answer to Mount Rushmore. Crazy Horse was a famous warrior, but I wonder what he would think about a mountain being carved into his likeness. There are no known photographs of Crazy Horse, so we have no idea if this looks like him. On top of that, they have been carving the mountain for decades, and it is nowhere near finished. When I see it, I cannot help but think that the Native Americans are getting shafted again.
There is another list called “10 Western Sites That Will Make You Misty.” Next time, I think I will skip that one and move on to another subject. I do not find it very interesting or misty.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I’m envious. We have been to the Golden Gate … but as for the rest? We live in hope.
They are all great places to visit. It’s hard to choose one, but I would make it Yellowstone.
Another great post! The Golden Gate Bridge brings back memories. When I wad in the Navy, I was stationed at Oakland Naval Hospital. So I saw most of the San Francisco sites, including the bridge. Then I was shipped out for Desert Shield/Desert Storm on a hospital ship. When the war was over, we sailed back in. We came in to a big homecoming, and had the pleasure of going UNDER the Golden Gate Bridge. And I thought going over it was awe inspiring! Imagine heading under the bridge with it being lined with people shoulder to shoulder screaming and cheering for you. The memory still gives me the chills (in a good way).
That must have been cool. Of course, you guys deserved a homecoming like that. Thank you for your service.
Reminds me how much I’d love to spend six months in the US just travelling around one day.
That’s exactly what I would like to do in your part of the world.
Seen Yellowstone – camped there long ago. Rushmore and Golden Gate.
In Canada I have one thing I want to achieve: a sail on the legendary Bluenose schooner.
Alas, the recent replica has not raised it’s masts yet. I’m waiting.
That sounds cool. My dream Canadian destination is Lake Louise.