Social Studies

American Symbols

Below you will find  links and stories about Americas symbols.
The Statue of Liberty

On July 4, 1884 France presented the United States with an incredible birthday gift: the Statue of Liberty! Without its pedestal it’s as tall as a 15-story building. She represents the United States. But the world-famous Statue of Liberty standing in New York Harbor was built in France. The statue was presented to the U.S., taken apart, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in crates, and rebuilt in the U.S. It was France’s gift to the American people.

The White House

The White House was built to house the President of the United States.  The White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency for more than 200 years.  George Washington is the only President who never lived in the White House.  He did, however, help choose the land it would be on and design it.  

The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a big, heavy, bronze bell with a crack in it. It  was made in 1751 in London for the Pennsylvania State House (later called Independence Hall), where state laws are made. The bell weighed 2,080 pounds! This bell cracked right away, so a new bell had to be made in Philadelphia from the metal of the first one and was put up in 1753. 
The American Flag

The US national flag, also known as the Stars and stripes, is the official state symbol of the United States.
It is a rectangular blanket with horizontal equal-sized alternating seven red and six white stripes. The upper left side corner is covered with dark blue color with 50 five-pointed white stars on it. 13 bands symbolize 13 British colonies that formed an independent state . The number of stars in the blue cover corresponds to the number of states (currently there are 50 states there). Red color represents endurance and valor; dark blue means diligence, justice and vigilance; white is a sign of innocence and purity.
The Bald Eagle

A bald eagle's white head may make it look bald. But actually the name comes from an old English word, "balde," meaning white. These graceful birds have been the national symbol of the United States since 1782.

Female bald eagles are a bit bigger than males. Their bodies can be three feet long, and their wingspan can be eight feet across!

Bald eagles build their nests at the very top of tall trees so the eggs will be safe. Some parents come back year after year to the same nest, adding more sticks, twigs, and grass each time.