15 Famous American Symbols and Their Brief Histories

While the history of the United States of America might not go back as far as some other countries, there are a number of important U.S. symbols that stand for the principles of freedom and democracy upon which the country was built. Discover 15 significant American symbols and how they came to hold such great meaning.

Often referred to as Old Glory, the American flag is an enduring symbol of the United States of America. The current flag's 50 stars represent each of the 50 states. The 13 stripes of the flag represent the original 13 colonies, which made up America at the time the young country declared its independence from England. The original flag had 13 stars, but it has been adjusted throughout history as more states became part of the country.

Like the White House, the United States Capitol has been an important American symbol since 1800. The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are housed in the Capitol, so this historically significant building is where the legislative branch of government does its work. The most easily recognizable aspect of the Capitol building is the impressive dome that adorns the structure.

The Great Seal of the United States is the emblem of America. There is only one official seal in existence and it is operated solely by the U.S. Department of State. Its use must be authorized by the Secretary of State. The design includes an eagle, the number 13 (standing for the original colonies) and the phrase e pluribus unum, which is a Latin phrase that means, "Out of many, one."

The Lincoln Memorial stands opposite the Washington Monument on the edge of the National Mall. It commemorates the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln, who served as the 16th president of the United States of America. Its construction began in 1914 and it was completed in 1922. Many important events in American history have taken place here, including Dr. Martin Luther King's 1963 I Have a Dream speech.

A tribute to Thomas Jefferson, America's third president, construction began on this memorial in 1939. It opened to the public in 1943. It is designed in the Neoclassical style, which Jefferson himself first introduced to the United States. Jefferson was an architect before becoming a Founding Father, and so the memorial's design honors his contributions in that field as well as his work as a statesman.

In South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands as a tribute to four of America's presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Their faces are carved into the stone face of Mount Rushmore itself, serving forever as a monument to the leadership and contributions of these early leaders of the United States.

A gift from France to the United States in the 1800s, the Statue of Liberty still stands today in New York Harbor. Often referred to as Lady Liberty, this lovely statue was dedicated in 1886, then became recognized as a National Monument in 1924. She is a symbol of democracy, freedom, hope, and liberty. The statue's message inspires not just the people of the United States, but also people around the world.

The American bison was designated as the country's national mammal in 2016. Bison have lived in North America since prehistoric times, though they were at risk of extinction. Bison have lived on the land that makes up Yellowstone National Park continuously since prehistoric times. Their continued presence there and elsewhere is due to conservation efforts undertaken by the United States Department of Interior (USDOI) in partnership with various states and Native American tribes. A total of 17 Bison herds now thrive on land managed by the USDOI in 12 states.

In 1782, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America chose the bald eagle to be the country's national bird. It is visible as part of many governmental objects, including coins, paper money, the Great Seal, the military's insignia, the president's flag, and many others. It is also featured in many government buildings and appears on official government documents.