One of the best-known landmarks in Reykjavik, Iceland is the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, also known as Leif Erikson. Now recognized as the first European to visit North America, the Statue of Leif Erikson personifies the strong sense of identity that the explorer has enabled for the entire country of Iceland. That identity is directly […]
Category: Monumentous Icons
Visiting the Rocky Statue Becomes a Rite of Passage in Philadelphia
From Movie Prop to Icon of Philadelphia
A nearly 10-foot bronze statue of iconic movie character “Rocky” resides to the right of the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Based on the character of the same name that debuted in the popular film, visiting the statue and climbing these steps is considered by many to be a […]
“Wild Bill” Hickok Becomes an Icon for Deadwood
A Long Lasting Legacy
Even though he was only in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, for a few weeks, James Butler Hickok, better known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, has become the town’s most famous resident. That popularity has seen him become an icon for the city that is driving numerous activities for both residents and tourists. From Weeks […]
“Salem Sue” Becomes a Landmark for North Dakota
New Salem is home to the “World’s Largest Holstein Cow”
Viewable from over five miles away, “Salem Sue” has allowed New Salem, North Dakota to bill itself as the home to the “World’s Largest Holstein Cow”. This large, fiberglass Holstein cow was originally created to honor and advertise local dairymen. Since being erected though, “Salem Sue” has also been able to promote tourism and business […]
Manneken Pis Becomes the Icon of Brussels
Brussels, Belgium has become known for everything from chocolate to structures like the Grand Place and Atomium that have come to define the landscape. No matter how famous such things become though, none of them can match the notoriety of Manneken Pis (meaning “peeing boy” in Dutch) since it has become the unofficial icon of […]
The White Stag Sign / “Portland Oregon” Sign Becomes an Icon for the City
The White Stag Sign, also known as the “Portland Oregon” Sign, is a neon sign on top of the White Stag Building that welcomes people as they enter downtown Portland, Oregon. The sign has changed names, forms and ownership over the years, but that history is just part of why it has become one of the most […]
The Pegasus Becomes a Symbol of Dallas
From Logo to Icon
All throughout Dallas, Texas, the symbol of the mythic horse from Greek mythology shows up in places and ways that are both obvious and understated. Appearing on murals, signs, plazas and even used in advertising, the Pegasus has become an icon for Dallas as well as one of the city’s most popular attractions. What started […]