If you get the chance, do visit these amazing places because they were almost on the verge of getting demolished.
Can you imagine Seattle without the Pike place market, Paris without its famous Eiffel Tower or London without the Westminster Abbey? Though it seems quite hard to believe that these iconic places and many more almost vanished but we are thankful that they are still there.
Over the years in the past, fire, crazy weather, war, and human decision threatened many iconic landmarks, from the worldwide famous to locally cherished. Here take a look at places that got almost demolished, but still exists.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Eiffel Tower in Paris is known as a symbol of love and romance. The tower was built back in 1899, but there was no mood to make it a permanent part of Paris city. It was supposed that its demolition would take place after 20 years, but it got saved thanks to its use in scientific experiments, especially in early radio transmissions.
Westminster Abbey, London, England
Westminster Abbey in London has been home to coronations and royal weddings for decades. But this breathtaking landmark has suffered many air raids during World War II – and was almost demolished. In 1941, a fire caused by a German bomb produced 40-foot flames. But, destiny was on Abbey’s side. However, as the burning timbers ended up falling into an open area where a firefighter was able to stop the fire, and the building survived the deadly war.
Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
Seattle city massive waterfront public market: Pike Place Market is an attraction for both the locals and tourists. Today, it’s one of the popular destinations for the traveler in America, but back in 1963, the city’ mayor backed a plan to replace the market shops with huge buildings. However, a group called Friends of the Market was started to stop the place from getting demolished. And in 1972, the group was able to save Seattle’s charming market.
Old South Meeting House in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston city is full of amazing landmarks, including the historic Old South Meeting House, where the colonists planned the revolutionary Boston Tea Party back in 1773. But the building has faced its share of struggles. In 1872, it survived the Great Boston Fire but got sold for $1350 in 1876. A group of Boston citizens, including the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott, raised nearly $400,000 to purchase the building.
It got reopened in 1877 as one of the nation’s first American history museums, and it remains to be at the number one spot for every American history lover.
White House, Washington, D.C.
The world-famous White House in Washington, D.C has been home to U.S. presidents since John Adams in 1800. But in 1814, it was set on fire by British troops, and it was almost burnt down to the ground. It is said that the then-first lady Dolley Madison remained calm and ordered the removal of many valuable objects. Then, it was built again, and it’s still among the top 50 attractions in America.
