When the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, it wasn’t intended to become a permanent part of Paris' skyline. It was supposed to be taken down after 20 years but was saved thanks to its use in scientific experiments, especially early radio transmissions.

Eiffel Tower

Westminster Abbey in London has held royal weddings and coronations for centuries but suffered numerous air raids during World War II. In May 1941, a fire caused by German bombs produced 40-foot flames, but the burning timbers fell into an open area where they could be extinguished.

Westminster Abbey

Today, Seattle's massive waterfront public market is a preserved historic district and one of the most popular tourist spots in America, but in 1963, it was planned to be replaced with skyscrapers. A group fought the change and in 1971, voters won to keep their precious market alive.

Pike Place Market

Old South Meeting House, where colonists planned the Boston Tea Party in 1773, survived the Great Boston Fire of 1872 but was auctioned off in 1876 for just $1,350. Citizens helped save this historic site, and it reopened in 1877 as one of the nation's first American history museums.

Old South Meeting House

The White House in Washington, D.C. has been home to every U.S. president since 1800, but in 1814, it was set afire by British troops and almost burned to the ground. It's said that first lady Dolley Madison remained calm and directed the safe removal of many valuable objects, including a 1797 portrait of George Washington.

The White House