Surrounded by traditional homes, this Tolkien-esque dwelling stands out on a quiet street in suburban Maryland.

This statue honors the author's groundbreaking family story.

World War II bunker still standing on the New Jersey beach.

The mysterious white squirrels of this Illinois city are treated like sacred cows.

A scenic fort on the harbor protected Philadelphia from an attack that never came.

An atomic bomb-proof strongbox protects the U.S. Constitution from terrorists and thieves.

World War II-era bunkers are hidden under the beaches of this picturesque park, which is still scattered with wartime watchtowers.

The Bong-area park police have asked visitors to please, stop stealing the signs.

The lowest point in the state of Illinois, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

This historic hotel invented the chocolate brownie.

A display of magnificent stained glass windows is the first exhibit of its kind.

The American Revolution was galvanized into serious action due to the tragic clash with British soldiers that occurred at this location.

Pulled from the rubble of one of the worst modern tragedies, a steel crossbeam became a symbol of hope for New Yorkers.

This sculpture by artist Fritz Keonig survived the 9/11 attacks and now stands as a monument to the victims.

The last living thing to come out of the rubble after 9/11 is now a symbol of hope and resilience.

This cemetery has graves dating back to the 17th century, including the city's oldest carved tombstone and an ominous cryptogram.

This tree is a living witness to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

Now housed in a museum, this giant pink elephant stood in downtown Seattle for more than 60 years.

This abandoned mine offers a glimpse at what life was like for those who came to Alaska seeking Gold Rush riches.

A remnant of the last Ice Age, this lake is surrounded by fascinating rock formations.

The crumbling remains of Juneau's explosives storage site.

Accessible only by boat, this centuries-old island fort never saw troops or combat.

Funded by John D. Rockefeller, this is one of the earliest, and most beautiful, shopping arcades in America.