In a very basic way, a prominent landmark such as Mt. Holyoke tells you where you are. They let you know that you're not the first person in a place.
“I'm not saying that there's anything better than mated bliss at its best, but I'm saying that living alone is as good in its own way. But we haven't quite given ourselves permission to recognize that.”
“The conservative version of American exceptionalism has become a password of sorts for candidates who want to prove their credentials to a right-wing America.”