These Historic Landmarks Sadly No Longer Exist

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.

• 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

• Attraction: Malta's iconic landmark the Azure Window (limestone arch)
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2017
• What made it disappear: Destroyed by a storm

• 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

• Attraction: Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivian Andes
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2009
• What made it disappear: Climate change

• Attraction: Crystal Palace, London
• When destroyed/disappeared: 1866 and 1936
• What made it disappear: Destroyed by fire – twice

• Attraction: Duckbill Rock, Oregon, U.S.
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2016
• What made it disappear: Vandals pushed it over

• Attraction: Guairá Falls (375 feet high) between Paraguay and Brazil
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2004
• What made it disappear: Submerged when hydroelectric dam increased capacity

• Attraction: Tomb of prophet Jonah (Bible and Koran)
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2014
• What made it disappear: Blown up by ISIS

• 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.

• Attraction: Old Summer Palace, Beijing, China
• When destroyed/disappeared: 1860
• What made it disappear: Destroyed by British troops

• Attraction: Palmyra, Syrian Desert
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2015 and 2017
• What made it disappear: Destroyed by ISIS

• Attraction: Collection of silica sinter deposits
• When destroyed/disappeared: 1886
• What made it disappear: Destroyed by volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera

• 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

• Attraction: Valletta Royal Opera House in Malta
• When destroyed/disappeared: 1873
• What made it disappear: Partially destroyed by fire

• 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

• Attraction: oceanfront public bathhouse, San Francisco
• When destroyed/disappeared: gradual decline and a fire in 1966
• What made it disappear: Fire

• Attraction: Sycamore Gap Tree, Northumberland National Park, England
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2023
• What made it disappear: Felled by vandals

• Attraction: Wall Arch in Arches National Park, Utah
• When destroyed/disappeared: 2008
• What made it disappear: Age and erosion

• Attraction: Giant Wawona Tree in California's Yosemite National Park
• When destroyed/disappeared: 1968/1969
• What made it disappear: Heavy snowfall during storms

• Attraction: Wedding Cake Rock, Royal National Park, Australia
• When destroyed/disappeared: Expected 2025
• What made it disappear: Age and weather