Books in Patriotic Symbols of America series

Some of the most important documents in American history were composed and debated within the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence, which said that the American colonies would no longer be subject to the British rule. In 1787, Independence Hall hosted discussions for a new Constitution, which even today remains the foundation of government for the United States. The Liberty Bell, which once hung in the steeple of Independence Hall, has also become an important American symbol. Today, millions of people visit Independence Hall each year to celebrate the origins of America.

This 555-foot high marble obelisk is an imposing presence on the National Mall, much as George Washington was an imposing presence during his time as president and now in our nation's history. From its inception to its current renovations, inquisitive readers will learn how and when the monument was built, and what happened when the project ran out of money. Eye-catching photographs show the inside and the outside of the monument. Readers will surely be motivated to put a visit to the monument on their wish lists.

It is said that the inspiration for the character of Uncle Sam was a man named Sam Wilson, who provided food for the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. By the 1830s, the figure of Uncle Sam had become a personified image of America, commonly used by newspaper and magazine cartoonists to represent the U.S. governments decisions and policies. Perhaps the best-known image of Uncle Sam was created in 1917, during the First World Wara stern, white-haired man wearing star-spangled clothing, encouraging Americans to do their part to support their nation. Uncle Sam remains an important symbol of the United States and the policies and activities of our government.

Why would anyone want to carve enormous faces into a piece of solid rock in the Black Hills of South Dakota? Why not! This book whisks readers away to view the incredible stone monument. Each spread is filled with age-appropriate details about the "Shrine of Democracy." Readers will learn about the initial idea to promote tourism, how the monument was carved, funding difficulties, the numbers of workers, the number of yearly visitors, and how the monument got its name. Eye-catching photographs help readers understand the massive scope of this project.

In 1787, the young United States was suffering from a governmental crisis. The original form of government created to unite the 13 states did not work well, and it was clear that something new was needed. In Philadelphia, representatives of the states met to create a new system of government. The document they produced, the U.S. Constitution, remains the framework for our government more than 225 years later. The U.S. Constitution sets out the duties of the various branches of the federal government, as well as the powers reserved by the states. It also delineates the rights that every individual possesses. To understand what being an American means, all citizens should understand the U.S. Constitution.