Decades-old temperature records are being broken all over the U.S. this month. The heatwave is stretching from central to eastern portions of the country in what could be a deadly event. Some experts are attributing the unusual weather patterns to climate change. Whatever the cause, there is plenty of evidence that the world we live in is changing. Our planet is constantly evolving – sometimes the changes are directly caused by humans (as during conflicts) and at other times nature takes the upper hand.
Sadly, many historic tourist attractions that people flocked to see are no longer around. All future generations can do is look at photographs of what were once spectacular sights. The following tourist attractions have succumbed to weather, natural disasters, finances, vandalism, war, or lack of interest. There are even more such places closer to home that you can check out in the iconic U.S. attractions that no longer exist.
Ayutthaya (Thailand)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/imageForEntry4-sZV.jpg)
- Attraction: Second Siamese Kingdom capital called Ayutthaya founded in 1350
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1767
- What made it disappear: Burned to the ground by Burmese militar
Azure Window (Malta)
![Azure window on Gozo island. Beautiful sea view. Malta's Iconic Azure Window. The site of the landmark. beautiful arch in the sea.](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2441363341-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Malta’s iconic landmark the Azure Window (limestone arch)
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2017
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by a storm
Buddhas of Bamiyan (Afghanistan)
![Caves in the cliffs near Bamyan (Bamiyan), Afghanistan. Local Afghan people still live in the caves. The caves are in cliffs where the Bamyan (Bamiyan) Buddhas used to stand. UNESCO site Afghanistan.](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-1484245802-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Two Buddha statues measuring 180.4 feet (55 meters) and 124.6 (38 meters) high
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2001
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by Taliban forces
Chacaltaya Glacier (Bolivia)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/imageForEntry3-D0c.jpg)
- Attraction: Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivian Andes
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2009
- What made it disappear: Climate change
Crystal Palace (England)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Crystal_Palace_General_view_from_Water_Temple.jpeg)
- Attraction: Crystal Palace, London
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1866 and 1936
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by fire – twice
Duckbill Rock (United States)
![The Duckbill Rock, Sandstone hoodoo rock, Cape Kiwanda, Tillamook County, Oregon](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2071296446-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Duckbill Rock, Oregon, U.S.
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2016
- What made it disappear: Vandals pushed it over
Guairá Falls (Brazil and Paraguay)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Salto_das_Sete_Quedas.jpeg)
- Attraction: Guairá Falls (375 feet high) between Paraguay and Brazil
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2004
- What made it disappear: Submerged when hydroelectric dam increased capacity
Jonah’s Tomb (Iraq)
![Old antique jew male prayer hope live hand drawn wild giant big huge marine beast open jaw help Israelit human alive. Retro Hebrew pray god Christ Nineveh cartoon sketch art style white sky text space](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2153307615-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Tomb of prophet Jonah (Bible and Koran)
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2014
- What made it disappear: Blown up by ISIS
Joshua Trees (United States)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/imageForEntry34-Ivj.jpg)
- Attraction: Millions of Joshua trees in California’s Mojave National Park’s Cima Dome
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2020
- What made it disappear: Huge fire
California’s Mojave National Park’s Cima Dome was once home to millions of Joshua trees. Lightning caused a massive wildfire in 2020 that spread quickly. In less than a day, the fire covered 16,000 acres and was at 43,273 acres before it was contained. That fire destroyed 1.3 million trees and attempts to plant seedlings haven’t been successful.
Old Summer Palace (China)
![View of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, China](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2343263885-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Old Summer Palace, Beijing, China
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1860
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by British troops
Palmyra (Syria)
![The Bel Temple in Palmyra, Syria, is an ancient architectural marvel. Majestic columns and intricate carvings adorn its facade, reflecting a blend of Roman and Semitic influences. The temple, dedicate](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2425807617-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Palmyra, Syrian Desert
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2015 and 2017
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by ISIS
Pink and White Terraces (New Zealand)
![Old illustration of Te-Tarata (Pink and White Terraces, then buried by Mount Tawarera's eruption in 1886), New Zeland. By unknown author, published on L'Eau, by G. Tissandier, Hachette, Paris, 1873](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-75211843-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Collection of silica sinter deposits
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1886
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera
Pont des Arts (France)
![The hundreds of thousands of romantically love inscribed padlocks on the Pont Des Arts Bridge, Paris France.](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-151332755-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Pont des Arts, aka Love-Lock Bridge, Paris
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1984
- What made it disappear: Altered to prevent locks added due to weight causing damage
Royal Opera House of Valletta (Malta)
![Ordnance street with the ruins of the demolished Opera House at Pjazza Teatru Rjal (Royal Theatre Square) with the baroque water well at the wall of the House of the Annona in Valletta, Malta](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-682257751-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Valletta Royal Opera House in Malta
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1873
- What made it disappear: Partially destroyed by fire
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (England)
![London's Globe Theatre](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-33248938-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Shakespeare’s original Globe Theater, London
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1613 and 1644
- What made it disappear: Destroyed by fire, re-built, then demolished to make room for housing
Sutro Baths (United States)
![A man standing on ruins of Sutro Baths and watching the sunset. San Francisco, California, USA.](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-1959233533-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: oceanfront public bathhouse, San Francisco
- When destroyed/disappeared: gradual decline and a fire in 1966
- What made it disappear: Fire
Sycamore Gap Tree (England)
![Robin Hood Sycamore Gap Tree at Hadrian's Wall.](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-2394880233-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Sycamore Gap Tree, Northumberland National Park, England
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2023
- What made it disappear: Felled by vandals
Wall Arch (Arches National Park)
![Arches National Park Entrance Sign, Utah, USA](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-227712796-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Wall Arch in Arches National Park, Utah
- When destroyed/disappeared: 2008
- What made it disappear: Age and erosion
Wawona Tree (United States)
![](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Wawona-Tree.jpeg)
- Attraction: Giant Wawona Tree in California’s Yosemite National Park
- When destroyed/disappeared: 1968/1969
- What made it disappear: Heavy snowfall during storms
Wedding Cake Rock (Australia)
![Wedding Cake Rock](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock-1270579498-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
- Attraction: Wedding Cake Rock, Royal National Park, Australia
- When destroyed/disappeared: Expected 2025
- What made it disappear: Age and weather