6. United Nations Headquarters, Manhattan

Many cities in the United States wanted to house the United Nations, from San Francisco (which the Australians favored), Boston, (which no one was impressed by), Detroit, Chicago, the Black Hills, Beloit, Wisconsin, Claremore, Oklahoma, and even a joint Westchester/Fairfield bid almost became a reality, save for local opposition (the residents of Harrison were worried about its impact on their taxes and their schools). Ultimately, the United Nations settled on Manhattan as the site for their new headquarters. The United Nations complex was constructed on land donated by the Rockefellers that had been full of slaughterhouses. The design was overseen by a world renowned team of architects including Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier. The complex was completed in 1952 and is still serving its original function more than half a century later.

Next, did you know you can eat lunch at the United Nations? Also, take a photo tour of the renovated United Nations complex.