Knight’s Ferry Bridge in Stanislaus County, California, is one of 26 sites designated a national historic landmark last week by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Constructed in 1862-1863, Knight’s Ferry Bridge is an exceptionally fine example of 19th-century covered bridge construction using the William Howe patented truss, one of the most successful and widely-used American timber bridge truss types.

See the whole list here.

Photo: National Park Service 

Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

Photo by National Park Service South Florida / Caribbean Network

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Photo by Bill Cummings

Soaring 14,410 feet into the sky, Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. It dominates the landscape, inspires our imagination, and challenges our senses. This active ice covered volcano is a symbol of the dramatic forces that shape our world. From its old growth forests and subalpine meadows to its glacier-clad peak, Mount Rainier offers many opportunities to explore its natural beauty.

Mount Rainier is also rich in cultural history. For thousands of years, tribal groups have gathered here. Designated a national park in 1899, many areas contribute to its National Historic Landmark District status.

Photo: William Lee - National Park Service

To experience Zion National Park, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.

Photo: National Park Service 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial honors a man of conscience; the freedom movement of which he was a beacon; and his message of freedom, equality, justice and love. It is the first on the National Mall devoted, not to a United States President or war hero, but a citizen activist for civil rights and peace.