Before and After: Historic Landmarks Throughout Time

Take a look at the following comparison photos that really demonstrate how much our world has changed and developed over time – Let us take a moment to appreciate just how magnificent these incredible sights truly are.

Even though the finishing touches were yet to be applied, it was clear that the memorial was going to be something truly special. Five years later, the monument was finally dedicated and opened its doors to the public. It has since become a symbol of national pride and an ode to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

But today, the Gate stands as a symbol of Germany’s resilience and recovery, restored to its original grandeur after 70 years. It is a reminder of how far the nation has come and the hope of continued progress and prosperity.

35 years later, the plane remains in an advanced state of decay. Escobar’s reign was formidable, however his life ended in a shootout in 1993. It is a stark reminder that all powerful figures eventually meet their end.

The left image from 1891 shows us exactly that – the exact location, without the iconic landmark. Fast forward to 1937, and the 746-foot towers were erected, creating one of the most recognizable sights in the world. It’s incredible to think that this beautiful view once looked so different.

Fast forward to 2021, Amtrak took over the route and continues to get passengers to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. While the modern train may lack the glamour of its predecessor, it is still a great way to experience a scenic journey.

This iconic structure serves as a reminder of Scotland’s proud history of construction and innovation. The image on the left depicting the partially completed bridge in 1887, shows us just how much can change in the span of 2 years! 

Against all odds, a new Hiroshima has risen from the ashes of the old, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most impossible of circumstances. This city is a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance of humankind.

Now, more than 40 million people flock to the city every year, eager to experience its unique atmosphere and take part in its famous nightlife. With no shortage of brass and bravado, it’s no wonder Las Vegas has been an inimitable playground for decades.

Decades of hard work and dedication, spanning through the 1950’s to the 1980’s, and finally the magnificent architectural sight was restored to its former glory. The church was once again open to worshippers, just as it had been since medieval times.

Fast forward to 2021, and the statue can be seen in the backdrop of the Empire State Building, lit up to celebrate Veterans’ Day. Since being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed an incredible 3.5 million visitors annually.

From the chaotic scaffolding of the early stages of construction to its fully illuminated presence today, the Eiffel Tower is an awe-inspiring reminder of how far we can go when we set our minds to something. This iconic monument is a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of mankind.

The 1905 image on the left captures the moment in history, when the immense structure was already well underway, yet far from finished. To this day, it remains one of the world’s most ambitious engineering projects, long after Gaudi himself passed away.

Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, each immortalized for generations to come. A testament to the artistic skill of the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, and the vision of a nation, Rushmore stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in North America.

According to Britannica, Machu Picchu was likely a palace complex of the ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who reigned from 1438 to 1471. His vision of this majestic sanctuary lives on in the captivating views it offers today.

It is no surprise that today it remains a favorite tourist destination, with hoards of people flocking to its base which is over 20 feet wide. This breathtaking structure is a reminder of an incredible history and allows up to step back in time.

Now, they can be seen flying down the Champs-Élysées, with the iconic Arc de Triomphe as a backdrop. The grand finale of this 21 stage race has been a dramatic spectacle for Paris since 1975. It’s a testament to the incredible progress of the Tour de France, it truly has withstood the test of time!

Many believe the building earned its name from its unique triangular shape. In reality, the plot upon which it stands was known as “the Flat Iron” long before the building was built. A symbol of New York City’s architectural history, it is an iconic and beloved landmark throughout the world.

The 186-foot tower was built in 1173 and began to lean just five years into the building process. However, the latest news suggest that the tower is now slowly straightening up, according to the BBC. Both ways we are sure this iconic landmark will be in tourists photos for decades to come.

Over the years, the site has been home to three different railway stations, culminating in today’s Grand Central Terminal. With its famous clock, vaulted ceilings, and hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder the station has become an iconic landmark.

The older portion of the image shows the soldiers that had sailed across the Atlantic to join the fight against Germany in the trenches of Europe. An iconic reminder of the great sacrifices made for a greater cause.

Although the Alamo was neglected in the 1860s, it has since been restored and is now a memorial to those who fought and died there. Americans recognize it as a symbol of resistance to oppression and a reminder of the courage and determination of those who stood up for their beliefs.

The 18th-century Frauenkirche church, renowned for its intricate Baroque architecture, was also destroyed. But in the 1990s, reconstruction of the church began and by 2005, the Frauenkirche church was brought back to its former glory, standing as a somber reminder of the tragedy that befell the world.

Today, more than 13,000 vessels pass through the canal annually, with the locks raising them an incredible 85 feet above sea level. It takes 8-10 hours to negotiate the 40-mile waterway, allowing the transportation of an astonishing 255 million tons of cargo. The Panama Canal is an epic feat that continues to astound the world.

Fast forward almost 120 years later and it still stands strong today! There’s no doubt that visitors can expect an evening full of show-stopping feathers, sequins and rhinestones when they step inside its walls.

Today, it stands tall amidst the modern Manhattan skyline, with tourists flocking to the viewing platform on the 102nd floor. From here, you can admire the breathtaking views of the city and beyond. It’s no surprise that the Empire State Building continues to draw in the crowds and inspire awe in all who visit.

Today this bridge is still heavily used by traffic traveling across the river and impressively raises up to 800 times each year for marine vessels! Even after 130 years between when  these images were taken you can still see how much this bridge adds to the London cityscape.

But what was Stonehenge’s original purpose? English Heritage suggests it may have been a Druid temple, an astronomical computer, a cult centre for healing, or most likely a prehistoric temple aligned with the Sun’s movements. It remains an unsolved mystery, as fascinating today as it was in 1885.

In more recent time, the ruins of this great temple have been carefully restored in order to return it to its former glory, making it a must-see destination for visitors from all around the world. Let us admire the Parthenon, a testament to the resilience of Greek culture.

The early-20th century image reveals a damaged ruin, while the 21st-century photo reveals a beautifully restored castle, standing tall and proud. It’s a testament to Macrae-Gilstrap’s hard work, having spent two decades restoring the beloved castle.

On the left, Horse Guards Parade in 1915 is filled with the solemn presence of British troops inspecting a German plane captured during WWI. On the right, the same landscape is transformed, with the iconic London Eye providing a delightful backdrop. It’s a vivid reminder of the evolution of the nation over the last century.

But now, fifty years later, the same fields have returned to their peaceful and rustic past. No longer are they filled with the energy and excitement of the fans awaiting legendary performers like Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead. Instead, their presence is merely a distant memory.

This photo, taken in 1954, shows the famous road, while the 2019 photo gives a greater sense as to just how steep it really is and of how the area has changed over the decades. Designed in 1922, this route was deemed too steep for both cars and pedestrians. It’s no wonder Lombard Street remains a popular tourist destination to this day!

Despite delays from a lack of funds, technical issues and the Civil War, the monument stands tall to this day as a symbol of America’s independence. Once used as a cattle yard during the Civil War, the Momument is now an iconic destination.

This modern image captures the magnificent beauty of the island’s buildings, taken in a stunning fall 2011 sunrise. From its ancient fortifications, to its elegant grace, Mont-Saint-Michel is a true marvel of history.

It is the world’s tallest arch and a national monument, attracting millions of visitors each year. Visitors can even take a ride up for some stunning views. Built between 1963 and 1965, the arch celebrates the westward expansion of the United States. 

The new Trinity Church designed by architect Henry Richardson, as shown in the righthand image, got quite a makeover. The imposing red-brick building stands out among the city’s modern architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows, a magnificent altar, and exquisite artwork.

Despite this, Fort Sumter has survived and is now a National Monument, standing as a poignant reminder of the internecine conflict that once tore apart the nation. Today, visitors can take a ferry to tour the island and explore the preserved ruins of the fort. It’s a powerful reminder of the past and of how far the nation has come since.

But the hall is far from just a venue for classical music – visitors can enjoy a range of musical events from world music to jazz. In 2001, the building was still under construction and resembled a kid’s construction kit, yet today it stands as a captivating cascade of steel waves.

This photograph captures the Energetik cultural center in the foreground as it was before the city was evacuated, with the current state of the building in the background – a bleak reminder of the nuclear accident. Pripyat, a city that was once full of life, now stands as a haunting reminder of the power of nuclear energy.

On its opening day it is said 150,000 people crossed it to bare witness to this incredible achievement. To prove that it could carry even more weight than expected, P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants across it in 1884! Today the bridge stands tall over the East River as a testament to America’s engineering genius – a reminder of how far we have come since then.