We, the People

From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans, celebrate what makes Americans so beautiful with photos from National Geographic.

The great outdoors of the Adirondack Mountains

Photo: Sam Abell/National Geographic

Adirondack Mountains, New York

Two men and a dog enjoy the gloaming at the North Woods Club in New York's Adirondack Mountains.

Photo: Tyrone Turner/National Geographic Stock

New Orleans

New Orleans is the home of one of America's most original, true art forms: jazz.

Photo: John Lee/Aurora/National Geographic

San Francisco

What's more American than the start of the high school football season in September? Here, a team in San Francisco runs through a banner held by cheerleaders.

Photo: John Lee/Aurora/National Geographic

Venice Beach

A stretch of concrete extending to the sand attracts skateboarders to a park in Venice Beach, a section of Los Angeles that is home to street artists, beach bars and the bohemian lifestyle.

Photo: Gordon Wiltsie/National Geographic

Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Membership in Montana's exclusive Yellowstone Club guarantees access to some of the Gallatin Mountains' best skiing runs just miles from Yellowstone National Park.

Photo: Tech. Sgt. Staci McKee, USAF/National Geographic

Arlington National Cemetery

A member of the United States Navy plays "Taps" for the honored dead.

Photo: Peter Essick/Aurora Photos/National Geographic

Yucca Mountains, Nevada

Members of a Shoshone Indian tribe take part in a ritual on the side of Yucca Mountain in southern Nevada.

Photo: Steve Raymer/National Geographic

Times Square, New York

Is there a neighborhood more synonymous with urban hustle and bustle than New York City's Times Square? Home to seemingly endless blinking lights, giant billboards, honking cabs, wandering tourists and live theater, it has earned the nickname of "the Crossroads of the World."

Photo: Melissa Eyre, My Shot/National Geographic

Vermont

A mechanic and his dog take in a late-day lean in Vermont's fresh air.

Published 01/23/2010