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These 15 Historic Villages In Pennsylvania Will Transport You Into A Different Time

Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.

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As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is rich in American history. From the Constitution to the Declaration of Independence to the Battle of Gettysburg site, the Keystone State has some of the most treasured pieces of history lying within its borders. It is not only full of museums that highlight its history, but it houses many historical villages that have been preserved or recreated for us to experience what life was like over a century ago. Here are 15 historic villages in Pennsylvania that will transport you back in time:

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Have you visited any of these historic villages in Pennsylvania?  Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

And for more interesting facts about Pennsylvania’s history, be sure to check out these 12 significant events .

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Historic villages in pennsylvania.

What historic landmarks in Pennsylvania can I visit?

In addition to the above list of historic villages in Pennsylvania, as one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania has 169 National Historic Landmarks. Valley Forge is one of the best-known landmarks as it was an area used as a military camp during the Revolutionary War. Another landmark of note is the Eastern State Penitentiary where you can take a day or night tour of this historic prison and see Al Capone's old cell.

Are there any museums where I can learn about Pennsylvania history?

While many of the historic sites around the state have museums, there are quite a few museums where you can learn more about the history of the commonwealth. To learn about the state’s military history, visit the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg which has over 10,000 artifacts including tanks. You can also learn military history at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum which is actually located inside the same building as a Trader Joe’s in Media, so you can shop for groceries and learn something all in one trip.

What are the most historic towns in Pennsylvania?

As the host to the most famous battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg is one historic town in Pennsylvania that everyone should visit. Head to the Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the war and the role this town played in it. The town of Lititz was founded in 1756 by Moravians who were seeking religious freedom. If you visit, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time with the numerous preserved historic homes and buildings. And while you’re there, you may as well stop by Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which was founded in 1861 and is the oldest pretzel bakery in the country.  

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Best historical cities to visit in the usa.

Use this list to plan your next getaway to a destination that's rich with history. To determine the best historical cities to visit in the USA, U.S. News considered the storied pasts, preserved landmarks, notable monuments and tourist-friendly services in each city – as well as votes from users. Vote on your top picks for history lovers to help us determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, williamsburg, charleston, sc, new orleans.

America's capital is brimming with affordable things to do. The Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial anchor the National Mall, while the Tidal Basin boasts three of its own memorials dedicated to history-making figures. Various outfitters offer history tours that focus on showcasing the city's past through the eyes of everyone from specific presidents to notable women. What's more, exploring the Smithsonian museums, filled with art and science history, won't cost you a dime.

Boston is a city of American firsts. The country's first public library, first subway system, first public school and first public park belong to Boston. Here, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the Puritans and revolutionaries. Kick off your city tour on the Freedom Trail, which guides visitors past 16 of the city's most historic sites. A few must-see historical attractions include Faneuil Hall Marketplace (built in 1742), the Paul Revere House (built around 1680), the Old North Church (built in 1723) and the Fenway Park baseball stadium (opened in 1912).

Gettysburg Battlefield, the 6,000-acre Civil War military park that witnessed the momentous clash of Union and Confederate forces in 1863, is the star of any visit to this Pennsylvania town. Gettysburg also played a part in the Cold War, which you'll learn about next door to the famous battlefield at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. To better understand the town's role in these historic events and more, speak with the knowledgeable curators and peruse the 4,000-plus historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

You'll see Benjamin Franklin's name and influence across the United States' first capital city. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben and company signed the Declaration of Independence. Then, pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell. And for a bit of cinematic history, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture of the famous "Rocky Steps." When you get hungry, visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America, to sample everything from ice cream and pastries to cheesesteaks and barbecue.

With its preserved Colonial sites and costumed interpreters, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the definition of a living history museum. Your first stop should be Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll be greeted by the "residents" who once called this revolutionary town home. Visitors have no shortage of learning opportunities: Williamsburg offers more than 20 guided and self-guided daily tours, ranging from ghost tours to garden tours – all included with your admission ticket. Round out your Williamsburg visit with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.

If you're visiting Williamsburg, you'll likely also make a stop at Jamestown, where English settlers established the first American Colony in 1607. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement acts a living history museum, with costumed interpreters telling the story of life in 17th-century Virginia. You'll even get the chance to climb aboard replicas of the three ships that first brought colonists to Virginia. To learn more about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, plan to stop by Paspahegh Town.

Walking around the Battery with Fort Sumter in the distance may make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Should you wish to catch a glimpse of former 19th-century Southern high society, tour Middleton Place, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum or the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Another great way to get to know this South Carolina city is on a historical walking tour. Or, simply relax on the wraparound porch of your historic bed-and-breakfast.

This coastal city southeast of Boston boasts its fair share of historic homes, museums and monuments dedicated to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and the men and women who founded the first New England Colony. But Plymouth, Massachusetts, is also home to a bit of 21st-century history: Visitors will find the city's 9/11 Memorial just north of Plymouth Rock. What's more, lodging options range from historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

Many come to New Orleans to party hard on Bourbon Street, but history lovers will delight in admiring sights like the French Quarter, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. If you need a break from the crowds, head to the Garden District or Chalmette Battlefield, or escape the heat at the popular National WWII Museum. If you don't mind a bit of ghost lore mixed in with your history lesson, you'll also want to sign up for one of the city's cemetery tours.

Luring travelers interested in learning about everything from witches and pirates to Colonial and maritime history, Salem was founded in 1626. This town situated on the northern coast of Massachusetts is best known for its ties to the Salem witch trials, which curious visitors can get an overview of at the Salem Witch Museum. Other popular historical attractions to visit include The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

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Notable Southern Plantation Tours in the United States

History buffs with an interest in the southern part of the United States will enjoy these plantation tours. They offer insight into the history of slave labor, plantation living and how the south evolved into what it is today.

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Oak Alley Plantation

Located in Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation was first a sugar cane plantation started by Valcour Aime, who purchased the property in 1830. He established an enslaved community who worked the plantation. Then in 1836, Jacques Roman acquired the Oak Alley property and began to build his own home on the plantation. Accomplished entirely by slave labor, his home was built in Greek Revival style using bricks made on site and marble shipped in by steamboat to construct the dining-room floor. The self-guided exhibit at Oak Alley focuses on the lives and living conditions of those who were owned and kept on the plantation. Visitors learn about life after emancipation and can stop by the Blacksmith Shop, which acts as a tribute to Louisiana craftsmen and the history of forging metalwork.

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Belle Meade Plantation

What started as a single log cabin is now a plantation located outside of Nashville, Tennessee that serves as an educational resource. Founded by John Harding in 1807, “Belle Meade” translates to mean beautiful meadow in old English and French . It began as a 250-acre property that eventually became a 5,400 thoroughbred horse farm. It had a Greek Revival Mansion, a train station and a rock quarry that supported five generations of owners and their enslaved workers. Today the site retains 34 acres of the original property, including the mansion and original homestead. It is dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s Victorian architecture and equestrian history.

Visitors to Belle Meade Plantation enjoy a tour of the property led by trained and costumed guides, who share the history of the mansion, as well as many other historic buildings like a horse stable, carriage house and log cabin. Free wine tasting is offered at the site’s winery after tours, and there is a gift shop and restaurant for visitors as well.

Nottoway Plantation

The south’s largest antebellum mansion is Nottoway Plantation. Located in Louisiana northwest of New Orleans and southwest of Baton Rouge, Nottoway is a Greek and Italianate style mansion full of extravagant features and details. It was completed in 1859 and the construction was commissioned by prestigious sugar planter John Hampton Randolph. The mansion became home to John, his wife Emily Jane, and their 11 children. As a wealthy businessman, John wanted no expense spared when it came to the home’s design. The 53,000 square foot mansion has 64 rooms with features like 22 massive exterior columns, 12 hand carved Italian marble fireplaces, 15 1/2 foot ceilings and a lavish pure white oval ballroom. Modern bathrooms with running water and a gas plant that provided gas lighting throughout the home were also installed per John’s vision.

John’s wish was for the mansion to be a place where he could entertain visitors in extravagant and elegant style. He wanted a home that would be admired by all, seen by river boaters on the Mississippi River or riders on a horse drawn carriage traveling on Great River Road. When you visit Nottoway Plantation today, costumed plantation tour guides take you through the mansion, sharing details of the property’s construction and history. Over the years, Nottoway Plantation went through several different owners and years of decline, but managed to survive the Civil War. This is a testament to the loving care that the mansion has received by those who are determined to keep its history alive.

Pebble Hill Plantation

The original owner of Pebble Hill Plantation in Georgia was Melville Hanna, who acquired the property in 1896. In 1901, he gave the property to his daughter, Kate. She immediately began construction on Pebble Hill, hiring architect Abram Garfield, and was actively involved in the design process. The first building was a log cabin that served as both a school and a playroom for her children. Several of the buildings were neo-classical brick structures that include the Plantation Store, the Pump House, the Waldorf and the Stables Complex.

Kate was a humanitarian who provided many benefits to the employees who worked on the plantation. Over 40 families of employees lived in furnished cottages, the Visiting Nurse Association provided medical services for employees and their families, and two schools were built and maintained for employees’ children in grades 1-7.

After Kate’s death in 1936, her daughter Elisabeth “Pansy” inherited the plantation. She wanted it to become a museum, and in 1956 formed the Pebble Hill Foundation to make the property open to the public. After her death in 1978, the plantation became property of the Pebble Hill Foundation, which maintains and manages the estate today.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage offers self-guided audio tours and interpreter led tours of the former president’s estate. General admission plantation tours cover over 1,000 acres of farmland that used to be The Hermitage Plantation. The Hermitage was a self-sustaining property that relied on slave labor to produce cotton. President Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel lived there for several years in the late 1700s. The Jackson family survived on profits made from the crops that the slaves worked every day. When he first bought The Hermitage in 1804, he owned nine African American slaves. At the time of his death in 1845, he owned about 150 slaves who lived and worked on the property.

Although slaves could not legally marry, Jackson encouraged his to form family units. This was a way to discourage slaves from trying to escape, since it would be more difficult for an entire family to safely flee.

Take a plantation tour of the Hermitage to walk through the mansion, the exhibit gallery and the grounds, where both President Jackson and his wife are laid to rest. Costumed tour guides will share the detailed history of the Jackson family, the plantation and the buildings and original belongings that remain on the property.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Back in 1676, Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann established the Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River in South Carolina . The couple were the first in a line of Magnolia family ownership that has lasted for more than 300 years. During the Colonial era, the plantation saw immense growth due to the cultivation of rice. Once the American Revolution began, troops occupied the land and Drayton, along with his sons, became soldiers fighting the British. In 1825, Thomas Drayton’s great grandson willed the estate to his daughter’s sons, since he had no male heirs to leave the property to. One of the sons died of a gunshot wound, leaving the second brother a wealthy plantation owner at the age of 22. The American Civil War threatened the welfare of the Drayton family, the house and the gardens on the plantation. But the plantation recovered and saw additional growth of the gardens, which became the focus. The property was saved from ruin when it opened to the public in 1870. The plantation offers half-hour long guided tours taking visitors through the Drayton family home – the third in more than three centuries – and gives a glimpse of what plantation life was like in the 19th century onward. There are 10 rooms open to the public, furnished with antiques, quilts and Drayton family heirlooms. More than five years ago, Magnolia’s Cabin Project started as an effort to preserve five structures on the property that date back to 1850. The structures are former slave dwellings that are now the focal point for a 45-minute program in African American history .

Destrehan Plantation

The Destrehan Plantation in Louisiana was established in 1787. It is located 25 miles from downtown New Orleans. It was the home of successful sugar producers Marie Celeste Robin de Logny and her husband, Jean Noel Destrehan. By 1804, 59 enslaved workers inhabited the property, producing over 203,ooo pounds of sugar. The Destrehan Plantation was the site where one of the three trials following the 1811 Slave Revolt took place. It was led by Charles Deslondes, and was one of the largest slave revolts in U.S. history.

Visitors can tour the restored plantation, which is surrounded by lush greenery and looks over the Mississippi River. Stories of the Destrehan family and those who were enslaved are shared through guided tours, which also feature historic exhibits and the opportunity to participate in period demonstrations. Plantation tours also include access to the Jefferson Room, which displays an authentic document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

San Francisco Plantation House

Considered the most opulent plantation house in North America, the San Francisco Plantation House is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, about 40 minutes outside of New Orleans. In the early 1800s, Elisee Rillieux sold the land that later became the San Francisco Plantation House to Edmond Bozonier Marmillion and Eugene Lartigue, profiting $50,000. Edmond was in debt, despite being a successful crops planter. His financial problems stayed with him for the 26 years he owned the property. He continued to acquire slaves and purchase land, but didn’t make investments in sugar machinery.

The plantation was prosperous for a while in the mid-1800s, but in 1853, Edmond hired expert builders and skilled slaves to convert the plantation into a prestigious residence for his sons. Valsin and Charles were the only two of Edmond’s and his wife Antoinette’s eight children who didn’t die from tuberculosis, the same disease that killed Antoinette in 1834. The main construction on the house was completed two years later and Edmond then hired artists to create hand painted ceilings, painted door panels, faux marbling and faux wood graining throughout the home.

When Edmond passed away in 1856, his son Valsin took over the plantation. In 1859, he tried to sell the estate, but wasn’t able to due to a legal conflict involving his sister-in-law, Zoe Luminais. When the conflict was resolved in 1861, war and reconstruction prevented the possibility of sale for 15 years. Valsin died in 1871, and in 1879, Achille D. Bougere purchased the property for $50,000.

Guided plantation tours are conducted by professional costumed guides who take visitors through the colorful plantation, exploring a slave cabin, a one room school house, and the property, which was restored in both 1970 and 2014. Blacksmithing and demonstrations also take place on the property, where you’ll find a gift store as well.

James Madison’s Montpelier

Ambrose Madison, a planter and slaveholder in Virginia, along with his wife Frances and their three children, arrived in 1732 to a plantation they called Mount Pleasant. One of Ambrose’s grandchildren, James, spent his early childhood at Mount Pleasant while construction began on a brick Georgian house that would later become the center of James Madison’s Montpelier .

It was on this very land that James Madison contemplated ideas and shaped the United States as the country’s fourth president. With 2,650 acres of horse pastures, rolling hills and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James Madison’s Montpelier offers insight into the Madison family history, and provides a deeper look into James Madison’s presidency . Just behind Mount Pleasant is the Madison Family Cemetery, where both James and Dolley Madison are buried.

Exhibits on the property include the 1910 Train Depot, which explores the African American struggle for civil rights . It opened in 2010 and is a permanent exhibit on the plantation. There’s also The Mere Distinction of Colour, which allows visitors to hear the stories of those who were enslaved at Montpelier, as told by their descendants. It recounts the events that took place at the Madison’s home, as well as the South Yard of the property, where the slaves lived and worked. The exhibition also explores how the legacy of slavery impacts race relations and human rights in modern America.

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America’s battlefields and associated historic sites are living monuments — places of remembrance and reflection —and  visitation is on the rise . These places are windows into our history, the lessons of which help us shed light upon the way forward. Walk in the footsteps of those who forged our country. Honor our heroes. Explore our past. Envision our future.

Battlefields Everyone Should Visit

Visit: Gettysburg Battlefield, PA

Over the course of three long days in the summer of 1863, 165,000 men met at Gettysburg and fought one of the most dramatic battles in Americans history, engaging in a fierce struggle over what kind of country the United States should be. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who fought and died at such iconic places as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Cemetery Ridge, and Culp’s Hill. While you’re there, make sure to pay your respects at the Soldiers National Cemetery and visit the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before he delivered his Gettysburg Address. The Civil War Trust is proud to have saved more than 900 acres of hallowed ground at numerous key sites at and around Gettysburg, including the site of Lee's  Headquarters on Seminary Ridge.

Visit: Vicksburg Battlefield, MS

Ulysses S. Grant is sometimes remembered as a blundering butcher. Those who study his audacious campaign against Vicksburg know better. Over the course of three months in the summer of 1863, Grant carried out one of the most brilliantly executed campaigns in the annals of military history, ultimately capturing the “Gibraltar of the South” and severing the Confederacy in two. Today, visitors to the Vicksburg National Military Park can walk the trenches and scenes of battle where Lincoln’s great general changed the course of the Civil War. Be sure to also visit the USS Cairo ironclad warship, recovered from a river bottom and on display. 

Visit: Fredericksburg Battlefield, VA

When President Abraham Lincoln learned of the Union defeat at Fredericksburg in December 1862, he responded, “If there is a place worse than hell, I’m in it.” Lincoln’s horror was understandable. At Fredericksburg Confederate General Robert E. Lee won one of his most decisive victories, inflicting massive casualties on the Union Army despite being heavily outnumbered. Almost a century and a half later, the Civil War Trust won a victory at Fredericksburg almost as decisive, successfully preserving more than 200 acres of hallowed ground at the Slaughter Pen Farm. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust, visitors can follow the Union’s attack on Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia from beginning to end.

Visit: Yorktown Battlefield, VA

On October 19, 1781 at Yorktown, Virginia, General George Washington shocked the world when he secured the surrender of British General Charles Lord Cornwallis . While the war that started at Lexington and Concord in 1775 would officially continue until the signing of the war-ending Treaty of Paris in 1783, the decisive victory of the Americans and their French allies at Yorktown ensured the success of the United States’ movement for independence. Today, visitors to Colonial National Park can see with their own eyes the site of Washington’s most decisive victory.

Visit: Lexington & Concord Battlefield, MA

Early on the morning of April 19, 1775 a shot rang out in Lexington, Massachusetts. While historians do not know who fired that shot, its significance cannot be over overstated. Not only did the shot fired at Lexington inaugurate a day of combat that would ultimately claim 122 lives, but it also ignited a war that forever changed the world, bringing into existence a nation dedicated to the proposition that all human beings are equal. Today, visitors to Minute Man National Historic Park can discover the story of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and walk in the footsteps of men who changed the world. 

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According to the National Park Service, more than 109 million people visited historic sites within the National Park System in 2018 – a powerful illustration of how significant heritage tourism can be for surrounding communities. The American Battlefield Trust strives to help promote the unique benefits of visiting historic sites and showcase how these exceptional resources can form pillars of local and regional tourism infrastructure.

In some cases, the Trust may be able to provide its historic and educational resources to battlefield parks, historic sites, museums and other relevant entities – such as regional tourism bodies – for use with appropriate copyright attribution and credit. This may include Trust-produced videos and Animated Maps, economic impact studies, battle maps, photographs and articles. Please inquire about your intended use and how the Trust can support your mission. Please let us know how the Trust can support your mission with its unique content. Email  Director of Communications, Mary Koik , to find out more

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Historic Sites

Explore an unequaled collection of historic places.

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We encourage you to check directly with each site for up-to-date information on available activities, ticketing, and guidelines if you are planning a visit.

Historic places create connections to our heritage that help us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs, and learn from our mistakes. Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by building a strong sense of identity.

To ensure that their stories remain a part of our lives today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation protects and promotes historic places, including a diverse collection of 27 sites open to the public . When you visit a historic site, you learn from their stories and help keep history alive.

Members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation enjoy discounted admission to all 27 sites open to the public and Distinctive Destinations nationwide.

Explore all of our historic sites via the map below, or see the full list here . We encourage you to check directly with each site for up-to-date information if you are planning a visit.

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• December 12, 2023 Lyndhurst Awarded $750,000 Save America’s Treasures Grant to Restore Historic Pool Building
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The Top 20 Historic Attractions in Maryland

One of the original 13 colonies, Maryland has plenty of fascinating history, with many of its sites beautifully preserved. There’s Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, of course, where Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner, plus many more off-the-radar ones linked to the overall American story. Here are some of the best.

Fort McHenry (Baltimore)

When the British attacked Baltimore in September 1814, the fortress became critical to the city’s defense. Washington lawyer Francis Scott Key, retained nearby aboard a truce ship, watched the battle through the night, and was so taken by the sight of the American flag still flying above the fort “by dawn’s early light” that he penned a poem—what would become the U.S. national anthem. Today, visits to the restored fort include a film, reenactments, and interpretation that retell this story, as well as others, including its involvement as a Civil War POW camp, World War I hospital, and World War II training camp. 

Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg)

The bloodiest one-day Civil War battle—which remains the bloodiest single day of battle in all of American history—unfolded on these peaceful farm fields near the town of Sharpsburg on September 17, 1862. On that day, Confederate General Lee’s army clashed with Union General McClellan’s, with 23,000 men killed or wounded by nighttime and the Confederate’s first invasion into the north averted. A driving tour leads past the Sunken Road, Dunker Church, Burnside Bridge, and other sites associated with the savage fighting, and an observation tower provides a sweeping battlefield overview. Several walking trails provide additional insight.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway (Eastern Shore)

Born enslaved around 1820 near Cambridge, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore, Harriet Tubman daringly escaped to Philadelphia along the Underground Railroad. She then returned to the Eastern Shore 13 times, risking her life to help more than 70 family members and friends find freedom as well. Fast forward to today, when the self-guided Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway has been created between Cambridge and the Delaware line near Greensboro to link sites related to the legendary abolitionist’s story, through rural landscapes she would recognize today. 

USS Constellation (Baltimore)

Floating on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this 22-gun sloop , commissioned in 1855, served on the high seas for a century, taking part in several military conflicts, including the Civil War. She also helped end the foreign slave trade off the coast of Africa as the flagship of the African Squadron. Today, uniformed interpreters welcome visitors aboard the last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy, where you may pull on some lines, see what’s cooking in the galley, and check out the crew living quarters.

Fort Frederick (Big Pool)

The British built this formidable, star-shaped fort in 1756 in the still-wild lands of the western frontier, protecting the farthest reaches of the colonies. It served in the French and Indian, Revolutionary, and Civil Wars (though never fired a shot). The fort has been impeccably restored to its mid-1700s appearance, with visits taking in a museum visitor center, artillery firings (on summer weekends), two re-created barracks, and 18th-century market fairs. A surrounding 585-acre park has hiking trails along the Potomac River.

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (Baltimore County)

Born a free African American in 1731, Benjamin Banneker went on to succeed as a self-taught scientist, astronomer, mathematician, abolitionist, and surveyor (he helped survey Washington, D.C.’s parameters). His family established a tobacco farm where this 138-acre park tells his story. The family cabin, complete with furnishings, is among the re-created buildings; and the museum showcases Banneker’s accomplishments and displays family artifacts, candle molds, and his desk. Hiking trails wander throughout the property (including the Number Nine Trolley Trail, leading to historic Ellicott City), and family-friendly activities include summer jazz concerts, festivals, and nature presentations. 

Historic St. Mary’s City

 Courtesy of Historic St. Mary's City

In 1634, just 14 years after the Pilgrims stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock, a group of English colonists fleeing bloody religious wars landed on the banks of what they called the St. Mary’s River and established Maryland’s first colonial capital. Today, an open-air living history complex , based on ongoing archaeological research, features reconstructions of the capital’s colonial buildings, including the 1676 State House, a printing press, and mercantile; a Native American hamlet; a plantation showing farm life in 1661; and a replica of the 17th-century tall ship, the Maryland Dove , which the colonists sailed across the Atlantic.

Washington Monument State Park (Boonsboro)

The portly stone monument atop South Mountain, built in 1827, is the nation’s first ever monument honoring George Washington (predating the monument on the National Mall by 21 years). During the Civil War, the Union army used this high summit as a Union signal station. Today, you can climb up inside and take in gorgeous views of the surrounding Maryland countryside. A little museum has historical artifacts relating to the monument and the Civil War battle of South Mountain.

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum (Baltimore)

The famed writer of macabre and horror resided in Baltimore between 1832 and 1835, when he composed poetry and penned some of his earliest short stories (including “MS. Found in a Bottle” and “Berenice”). The small duplex where he lived with his aunt is now a house museum  displaying family antiques. You can also visit The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fell’s Point, where Poe aficionados love to say he had his final drink (it probably was at the long-gone Ryan’s Fourth Ward Polls tavern), and his gravesite and memorial .

Casselman River Bridge (Grantsville)

This graceful stone bridge, built 1813 to 1815, harks back to the days of the National Road, the nation’s first major federal highway, connecting the Potomac and Ohio Rivers. At the time, it reigned as the nation’s longest single-span stone bridge. After a new steel-truss bridge replaced it in 1933, it was preserved in Casselman River Bridge State Park. The nearby Spruce Forest Artisan Village has historic houses, inns, and re-created buildings showcasing the National Road’s golden age.

United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)

The U.S. Naval Academy has lorded over Annapolis’ north side since 1845. Today, its 338-acre campus remains an undergraduate service school for future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps officers. It’s also a National Historic Landmark, with noteworthy beaux-arts buildings including the USNA Chapel (with John Paul Jones’ crypt beneath), and Bancroft Hall, where 1,700 rooms house 4,400 midshipmen. Guided and self-guided tours are available, beginning from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center .

Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center (Highland Beach)

The legendary speaker, thinker, and civil rights activists may never have actually spent a summer at his holiday cottage, built by his son, but it has been turned into a museum honoring him . The younger Douglass, Charles, established the town of Highland Beach in the 1890s as an African-American resort community, where he built a house for his own family, and one for his father, called Twin Oaks. The senior Douglass died before he could enjoy it, but today the house interprets Douglass’ life and work, and tells the story of “The Beach.”

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (Georgetown to Cumberland)

George Washington dreamed of building a canal to connect the Potomac River (and therefore the Atlantic via Chesapeake Bay) with the Ohio Valley. It finally happened in 1828 with construction beginning on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal . Except, soon after, the railroad era dawned, and the canal became obsolete before completion. The terminus was changed to Cumberland, and the 184.5-mile route worked until 1924, primarily transporting coal, until a series of floods washed it out. Today, the reconstructed canal towpath, meandering through towns, wilderness corners, and original canal structures (including toll houses where you can stay), is popular with cyclists, hikers, runners, and campers. 

B&O Railroad Museum (Ellicott City)

Courtesy of B&O Railroad Museum

This small building is the nation’s oldest surviving railroad station . Dating from 1830, it was the B&O Main Line’s first stop out of Baltimore, 13 miles distant. According to local lore, it also was the finishing line for a dramatic 1830 race between a horse-drawn railroad car and a steam locomotive. The horse won due to a slipped pulley, but naysayers came to understand that machine power was viable; steam locomotives replaced all horses within the year. Today, the restored station is a museum devoted to transport in early America, with exhibits including a 40-foot HO-gauge model depicting the route from Baltimore.

Annapolis Historic District

Established in 1694 on the Severn River, Annapolis soon became one of the colonies’ most cosmopolitan seaport cities. Today, stately 18th-century buildings still line narrow cobbled streets leading down to City Dock (where the Kunta Kunte-Alex Haley Memorial is dedicated to Africans forced into bondage in the New World). Several historic houses are open for tours, including the William Paca House , built by the governor of Maryland, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; the Hammond-Harwood House , said to have America’s most beautiful doorway; and the Chase-Lloyd House , adorned with woodwork by architect William Buckland. The Maryland State House , rising above State Circle, remains the nation’s oldest capitol building in continuous use (and the only to serve as the nation’s capitol).

Surratt House Museum (Clinton)

After assassinating President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, actor John Wilkes Booth fled to the Eastern Shore, where he had stashed weapons and supplies at the plantation/tavern/hostel of widow Mary Surratt . She went on to be tried and hanged—the first woman to be executed by the U.S. government—for her role in a plot to first kidnap, then assassinate, the President, which allegedly had been schemed out of her D.C. boardinghouse. Today the house serves as a museum detailing the Lincoln conspiracy and general mid-19th-century rural life.

Historic Sotterley Plantation (Hollywood)

Dating back to the turn of the 18th century, this one-time tobacco plantation includes 20 historic buildings on more than 100 acres overlooking the Patuxent River. Among them are the 1703 manor house, an 1830s-era slave cabin, and a working farm. Over its long history, only four families have owned the estate, including George Plater III, who served as Maryland governor in the early 1790s. Today, the historic site interprets the lives of the wealthy owners, domestic workers, tenant farmers, craftsmen, and enslaved people who resided and worked here. Tours, programming, and special events are offered, and trails wind through the scenic property.

Frederick Historic District

Frederick ’s beautifully preserved historic core has a few places of note. You’ll discover the law offices of brothers-in-law Brooke Taney and Francis Scott Key; Key, of course, went on to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner,” while Taney became the U.S. chief justice overseeing the controversial Dred Scott decision. There’s also the Barbara Fritchie House and Museum , remembering the 95-year-old Fritchie who famously waved a Union flag as Confederate troops marched by during the Civil War; school kids might recall Whittier’s poem describing her defiance. And the National Museum of Civil War Medicine provides insight into the dreadful suffering endured from battle and disease.

St. Mary’s Spiritual Center and Historic Site (Baltimore)

Steps from the Inner Harbor, the nation’s first Catholic seminary was established in 1791. Not only that, this is where Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton—who eventually would become the first American-born saint—came in 1808 from NYC. After converting to Catholicism and becoming a Daughter of Charity, Mother Seton went on to found the nation’s first free school for girls in America, in Emmitsburg, Maryland (part of today’s Seton Shrine , which also can be visited). Guided tours of the center take in her period-furniture-filled house, along with the historic chapel, sharing insight into 19th-century Roman Catholics, women, and African Americans.

Fort Washington Park (Fort Washington)

A fort called Fort Warburton was built in 1809 south of Washington, D.C., the only defense protecting the capital. It never was shot upon, though its soldiers blew it up during the War of 1812 ahead of the British advance on the capital city. A new fort replaced the old—the current-day Fort Washington , built in 1824. Today the historic site, overseen by the National Park Service, is surrounded by a popular, family-friendly park. Visits are self-guided, though rangers are on hand.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

• United States

30 of the Best Historic Sites in the United States

Discover some of the best historic sites in the united states, from iconic sites like the white house, statue of liberty, and mount rushmore, to the more hidden historical gems like historic jamestowne, taos pueblo, and the freedom trail in boston..

Lily Johnson

19 aug 2021.

The United States is home to an array of fascinating historic sites, from the battlefields of the American Civil War to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Traversing its Native American origins all the way up to the 20th century, exploring the history of the USA is an intriguing and worthwhile pursuit.

For this world superpower, we have compiled a list of the best sites to visit, featuring a range of the USA’s most famous attractions alongside its lesser-known gems.

1. The White House

The White House has been the seat of the US government and home of Presidents of the United States of America for over 200 years.

Original construction of the White House began in October 1792 after President George Washington chose what is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the location for the new home of the federal government. The White House was not yet completed when, in 1800, it housed its first ‘first family’ President John Adams and First Lady, Abigail Adams.

The White House Visitors Centre is also a source of White House history, including details of the building’s architecture and history. A tour of the visitors centre should take between 20 minutes and an hour.

2. Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg National Military Park is brimming with approximately 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials relating to the American Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg raged from 1 to 3 July 1863, resulting in over 51,000 casualties and victory for the Unionists. It marked a significant turning point in the war, followed twenty one months later by the surrender of the Confederacy.

Visitors can follow the route of Battle of Gettysburg, from Seminary Ridge and Culp’s Hill to Cemetery Ridge and Devils Den as well as visiting David Wills’ house, a museum about the town. The National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center is a good place to start as it contains a wide range of Civil War related information as well as a plethora of guided tours and exhibitions.

3. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a Greek style monument in Washington DC’s West Potomac Park. The Lincoln Memorial was designed by the architect, Henry Bacon, who also sculpted the statue of Lincoln which visitors can see within its walls.

As the site of many important political speeches and events, Lincoln Memorial has a history of its own, independent from its original purpose. In particular, it was the site where Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech on 28 August 1963.

4. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a breathtaking Native American site dotted with over 4,000 archaeological treasures, including 600 exceptionally well preserved cliff dwellings dating back to 600 AD. Mesa Verde National Park was once the home of the Pueblos, a Native American people who lived there for over 700 years before migrating to New Mexico and Arizona.

Some of the sites, such as the Cliff Palace and Balcony House with its over 150 rooms can only be viewed as part of a ranger tour, for which you can buy tickets at Far View Visitor Center before attending the sites. It’s also well worth viewing the large collection of artefacts on display.

5. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic copper and steel statue in the entrance to New York Habour and an enduring symbol of freedom and independence. The Statue of Liberty’s total height from ground to torch is a staggering 92.99 metres. Originally built in France in 1884, it arrived in New York in June 1885 and was dedicated on 28 October 1886.

Situated on Liberty Island, there are numerous exhibits and tours available both inside and outside the Statue of Liberty. Upon reaching Liberty Island, visitors can go to the information station to watch a short film about the statue’s history and check the schedule of events for one of 45 minute long ranger tours, which start at the Liberty Island Flagpole.

6. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island was the site of a notoriously harsh prison based off the coast of San Francisco, California, this isolated position earning it the name of “The Rock”.

Alcatraz Island is today managed by the National Parks Service and offers tours of the old prison. An eerie yet fascinating journey into the workings of this famous site, visitors to Alcatraz Island can make use of audio guides which chronicle its history (45 minutes). The visit usually lasts 2-3 hours.

7. Independence Hall - Philadelphia

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is one of the most important landmarks in US history, being the site where the nation declared independence from Great Britain on 4 July 1776. The hall is now part of Independence National Historical Park, which also encompasses a myriad of important sites such as Congress Hall and Liberty Bell Centre sprawled over 55 acres within the City of Philadelphia.

Visitors can choose from a variety of ranger guided walking tours as well as various indoor and outdoor activities. Across the road is the Liberty Bell Centre, housing the famous Liberty Bell, one of the most significant symbols of the American Civil War and formerly hung in Independence Hall’s tower. Congress Hall is next door to Independence Hall.

8. Historic Jamestowne

It was in Historic Jamestowne in 1607 that the English established their first successful colony in America. Previous attempts, notably that of Roanoke in 1587, had been made, but the colony the English formed in Jamestowne was the root of what was to eventually become America.

Today, Jamestowne forms part of Colonial National Park, a historic site which encompasses York Town Battlefield, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial. Visitors can explore the history of the site and that of the country as a whole. Amongst its many attractions, it is worth seeing the Jamestown Glasshouse, a recreation of the first industrial building of the Virginia Company, the London-based company that founded the colony.

9. The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail takes visitors to Boston through a tour of sixteen sites in the city which were of importance before and during the American Revolution against British rule in the 18th century.

Boston played a central role in igniting the American Revolution, also known as the American War of Independence, and the Freedom Trail contains the sites which tell its story.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trip which visitors can either follow independently using the red pavement markings around the city or join one of the selections of guided tours, which last around an hour and a half.

10. September 11 Memorial

The World Trade Centre was a complex of seven buildings in Manhattan in New York, which was destroyed by terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 in a devastating event known as 9/11.

Today, visitors can see the site where the attacks took place, with the World Trade Centre Memorial and Museum on the site where the Twin Towers once stood.

11. Martin Luther King Jr National Site

The Martin Luther King Jr National Site in Atlanta, Georgia is dedicated to commemorating the life of the leader of the African-American civil rights movement and chronicling his campaign for racial equality.

Visitors to the Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site can visit Dr and Mr’s King’s crypt at the King Centre, view his birthplace and see exhibitions and films about Dr King’s life and the civil rights movement. There are also exhibits about Gandhi , who inspired Dr King and about Rosa Parks , whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus was an iconic event of the movement.

12. Ellis Island

Ellis Island was the entry point into the United States of America for over twelve million immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers a detailed insight into the island’s history, its role in the country’s immigration procedures and the stories of the immigrants. It is a celebration of immigration, including a wall of honour and many exhibits and artefacts.

13. Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle in Arizona is a cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua Indians in around 1100 AD, and occupied until approximately 1425 AD. Occupying an area of around 4,000 square feet, Montezuma Castle is an eminently impressive five storey limestone and mud structure demonstrating the ingenuity of the Sinagua people.

Unfortunately, the public cannot actually enter Montezuma Castle and have not been able to do so since 1951. Those interested in its history and excavation can visit the onsite museum.

14. Ford Theatre

It was in Ford Theatre on the night of 14 April 1865 that well-known actor John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was the first American President to be assassinated .

Ford Theatre is now an operating theatre house as well as a museum showcasing a variety of historical artifacts related to Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination and his life in Washington. Ford Theatre also stands across the street from Petersen House, where the President was taken following the shooting and where he subsequently died.

15. Little Bighorn Battlefield

Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana played an important role in the Great Sioux War, a conflict between the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne Native Americans and the US government and which was part of an era known as the American-Indian Wars.

Now a National Park, the battlefield is dedicated to commemorating the events of the battle and the conflict of which it formed part. It includes an Indian Memorial, the Custer National Cemetery and offers guided talks exploring the conflict.

16. The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument was designed by architect Robert Mills, made out of marble, granite, and sandstone and completed on 6 December 1884, almost thirty years after Mills’ death.

The Washington Monument was constructed in honour of the first president of the United States of America, George Washington, who was considered to be the “Father of the Country”. Washington led the USA to independence from the British and commanded great respect from his countrymen.

The Washington Monument is now part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, with visitors able to ride the elevator to its observation deck, from which the views of the city are spectacular and run for thirty miles.

17. Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a Native American settlement in New Mexico’s Rio Grande, USA.

The Pueblo community in Taos Pueblo is known to date back to the fourteenth century, although some archeologists think it was established as far back as the 1st century AD. The Pueblo tribe is one of the most secretive and enigmatic of the Native American communities, meaning that little is known about their culture, however around 150 Pueblos still live in Taos Pueblo.

Visits can be somewhat restrictive, particularly as regards Taos Pueblo’s beautiful church, but tours are available offering an insight into the Pueblo culture.

18. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the most famous art museums in the world, exhibiting pieces spanning over eight thousand years of history.

From prehistoric art and that of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to medieval works, Asian art and art of the Americas, the Metropolitan Museum of Art explores ancient and historical cultures through their artwork.

Containing an incredibly diverse and comprehensive collection, the best way to tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art is probably with one of their guided tours, especially if you’re not sure what you want to see or want an overview of the museum or one of its collections. Tours are included in the admission price.

19. Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown battlefield in Virginia is the location of the final battle of the American Revolution.

It was at Yorktown battlefield that, on 19 October 1781, the British surrendered to the combined forces of the French and American armies, under the command of General Washington. This dramatic action marked the end of the war and was the point at which the Americans attained independence.

Today, Yorktown battlefield forms part of Colonial National Park which encompasses Historic Jamestown, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial. Visitors to Yorktown Battlefield can learn about the history of the site and the end of the American Revolution with tours and exhibitions including visiting Moore House, where the terms of surrender were agreed.

20. The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is one of the most important symbols of freedom and liberty in the US. Cast in London’s East End, the Liberty Bell arrived at Independence Hall – then called the Pennsylvania State House – in 1753 where it was hung. There it cracked on its very first toll.

The Liberty Bell has always embodied ideas of freedom and democracy. For example, it was engraved with the quote “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” from Leviticus 25:10. This extract inspired a group of slave abolitionists to first name it the Liberty Bell, making it an emblem of their movement.

Today, the bell is on show in the Liberty Bell Center, part of the Independence National Historical Park.

21. Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois, is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States of America.

Abraham Lincoln, born 12 April 1809, was the country’s first Republican president and led the Union during the American Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 resulted in the abolition of slavery . His term as president ran from March 1861 until 14 April 1865, when he died after being shot at Ford Theatre.

Abraham Lincoln is buried at Lincoln Tomb, which is now also the resting place of his wife and three of his four sons. Visitors to Lincoln Tomb can enter the 117-foot brick and granite structure and learn about Lincoln through his own speeches, which are displayed throughout.

22. The US Capitol

The US Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and, with its famous neoclassical facade and dramatic dome, is an iconic building in its own right.

Construction of the first incarnation of The US Capitol began in 1793 and the US Congress first met there – in what would be its north wing – in November 1800. Since then, The US Capitol has been the setting for many important national events such as presidential inaugurations.

Today, The US Capitol is both the home of the US legislature and a museum of American history and art. Free tours of the Capitol building itself are available, but must be booked in advance, and there is also a new visitor centre with exhibits about the US Capitol and its history.

23. The Anasazi Heritage Center

The Anasazi Heritage Center in Southwest Colorado is an archaeological museum which explores the culture and history of the Ancestral Puebloan people, also known as the Anasazi.

The Anasazi were Native Americans who lived and farmed in an area known as the “Four Corners”, made up of southwest Colorado, northeast Arizona, northwest New Mexico, and southeast Utah from as early as 1500 BC to around the fourteenth century. They were the ancestors of the modern Pueblos.

The Anasazi Heritage Center works to explore their culture through finds from excavations of archaeological sites. Two such twelfth century sites can also be found nearby and the museum is a good starting point for exploring the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument which contains a wealth of historical sites.

24. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a historic site in Virginia made up of an entire town restored to its colonial state.

From homes to public buildings and shops, Colonial Williamsburg takes visitors back to the time when Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia – between 1699 and 1780. Later, during the American War of Independence, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond.

25. The Pacific Aviation Museum

The Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island in Hawaii is dedicated to telling the story of US aviation in the Pacific during World War II .

The museum is located on the historic Ford Island, a 441-acre island in the middle of Pearl Harbour . The museum thus focuses on the fateful day – 7 December 1941 – which effectively forced America to join World War II , when Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the US military base.

Visitors begin by viewing a film about the attack on Pearl Harbour , before seeing a series of exhibitions ranging from photographs and dioramas to aircrafts. The Pacific Aviation Museum houses numerous aircrafts including light civilian planes, a B-25B Mitchell, a P-40 fighter, and a SBD Dauntless dive bomber.

26. The Alamo

The Alamo is an iconic historic site in downtown San Antonio that remains a symbol of Texan heroism. It has been immortalised in popular culture for the events that unfolded during the famous Battle of The Alamo , which took place on the 6th March 1836.

Today the Alamo is one of Texas’ most popular tourist destinations. The complex is made up of a number of buildings, including the barracks, and hosts several exhibits about the battle and the history of the war. Tour guides are also on hand to guide visitors around the complex.

27. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is a granite mountain in Keystone, South Dakota carved with the heads of four of the Presidents of the USA.

Begun in 1927, the work to create Mount Rushmore was carried out by 400 sculptors. It was intended that each figure be shown from the waist upwards, but the project ended prematurely in 1941 when funds ran out.

There are guided tours of Mount Rushmore (30 mins) or visitors can rent an audio guide (30-120 mins). A trip to Mount Rushmore usually lasts around 2 hours.

28. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is both a military burial site and an iconic monument to fallen soldiers. Initially, the site of Arlington Cemetery began as a house – Arlington House – built in memory of President George Washington. The house, which still stands today, then became the property of Mary and Robert E. Lee.

Over the years, Arlington National Cemetery has come to represent a memorial to all US soldiers who have died for their country and is still an active cemetery. In fact, there are approximately 300,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery, neatly aligned and each with a white headstone.

Many famous Americans are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, from military heroes to astronauts and leaders such as President John F Kennedy. Those visiting Arlington National Cemetery can start at the visitor centre, where there are guide books, maps and exhibits. Arlington House itself is also open to the public, with a museum and guides chronicling this building’s unique history.

29. Dealey Plaza

Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas was the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated at 12:30pm (CST) on 22 November 1963. Kennedy was the thirty-fifth President of the United States of America and served during the Cold War , his premiership encompassing events such as the Invasion of the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the building of the Berlin Wall .

Dealey Plaza has changed little from the day of Kennedy’s assassination, however there are several nearby monuments such as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. There is also a small museum, known as the Sixth Floor Museum, in the adjacent Texas School Book Depository where Oswald is alleged to have hidden. This chronicles the life of John F Kennedy. The museum also offers audio guides to Dealey Plaza and nearby sites, which is included in the entry fee.

30. National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History offers a diverse exploration of the nation’s history, its collections ranging from public lives, to major national events and cultural elements such as areas of advertising and the cinema.

With over three million artifacts, the National Museum of American History covers everything from popular culture and entertainment to technology, military history and politics.

Some of the highlights of its exhibits include the actual Star Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s iconic top hat and, depending on your area of interest, the original Kermit the Frog Puppet.

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13 Time Travel Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

Alene Laney

Alene Laney is a freelance writer covering real estate, personal finance, and travel. She lives in the Southwest with her husband, four boys, and German Shepherd.

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Some places offer an incredible glimpse into history. If you want to feel like a time traveler, put one of these unforgettable places in the U.S. on your bucket list. 

66 Million Years Ago: Dinosaur National Monument, Utah & Colorado

Want to go back to the time of the dinosaurs? Dinosaur National Monument is absolutely worth the trip. The fossils are so well-preserved and you’ll be able to see dinosaur tracks. The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a new visitor’s center that was built around a rock embedded with over 1,500 dinosaur bones. There’s even a place where you can touch a 149-million-year-old dinosaur fossil. 

13 Best Dinosaur Vacation Spots for Kids

1,400 Years Ago: Bluff, Utah 

The coolest thing about the area surrounding Bluff, Utah, is the feeling of discovery when you come across petroglyphs, dwellings, and artifacts of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The raw, authentic experience you’ll have in this under-the-radar destination makes you feel like you found something very few others have, much like Mesa Verde before paved roads brought tourists in. With the designation of Bears Ears National Monument , the secret’s out, so you’ll want to visit before the crowds come. 

1,000 Years Ago: Taos, New Mexico

The Taos Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico will take you back nearly 1,000 years. The multi-storied adobe dwellings tell the story of Native Americans whom Spanish explorers encountered in 1540. They believed Pueblo was one of the mythical golden cities of Cibola. The dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark. The city is also known for the Historic Taos Plaza and San Francisco de Asis Church.

1521: San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you want to go back to the time of the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico should be on your list. The oldest city under United States sovereignty, San Juan served as an important port city along trade routes between the new and old worlds after its establishment in 1521. The Spanish protected it with imposing military fortifications, including the massive fort, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro). The Spanish Colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are great for exploring, photographing, and soaking in the history.

1699: Williamsburg & Jamestown, Virginia

The greater Williamsburg area will transport you back to the 17th century. You can visit the Jamestown Settlement and see where American Independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield. Guided tours tell the stories of the people who lived hundreds of years ago and historic restaurants serve popular foods from colonial times.  

1700s/1800s: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s zeal for historic preservation is evident throughout the city. Its past stretches back to 1669 , and buildings from architectural styles from every century survive. It’s an incredible city to explore on foot. There are also an abundance of excellent tours that tell the story of this beautiful city.

The 17 Best East Coast Family Vacations

1870s: De Smet, South Dakota 

Have you ever wondered what homesteader life was like? You can jump right into the novel, “Little House on the Prairie” in the small town of De Smet, South Dakota . You can camp in a covered wagon, grind wheat, make rope, attend a one-room schoolhouse, ride on a wagon or even attend the Laura Ingalls Wilder pageant in July. 

1876: Deadwood, South Dakota

Want to experience the history of a gold rush? An old mining town in the Black Hills of South Dakota called Deadwood has preserved its gold rush roots and mining town vibe. Theatre troupe characters from the Wild West roam the streets and produce reenactments from historical events. The shops lining the street maintain a historical feel. In fact, the entire town of Deadwood, South Dakota is a National Historic Landmark. 

1879: Tombstone, Arizona

There’s no better place to travel back to the American Old West than Tombstone , Arizona. The main drag is still a dusty street flanked by two-story, western-style buildings housing saloons, shops, and other entertainment venues. Re-enactments, celebrations, and historical sites depict life in the mining town during the 1800s. You’ll want to take a ride in stagecoach and watch a reenactment of the famous gunfight between Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday at the O.K. Corral. This gunfight was the basis for the “Tombstone” movie. 

1900: Kennecott, Alaska

Trek on over to the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark , one of the best preserved relics in mining history, to experience mining life on the frontiers of Alaska. The distinctive, rust-red buildings are carved into the steep mountainside. The National Park Service has stabilized many of them, including a post office, general store, schoolhouse, recreation hall, railroad depot, residential cottages, and more. You can also go inside the tunnels, tramways, and trails of the mining operations. 

The 7 Least-Visited National Parks

19th Century: Mackinac Island, Michigan 

If you want a glimpse into the Victorian era, Mackinac Island in Michigan will steal your heart. There are no cars on the island and being transported by horse-drawn carriage only adds to the charm. Victorian homes with wraparound porches invite lazy afternoons with a classic book. You may also want to take a fudge-making class downtown. 

20th Century: Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island will take you back to the turn of the 20th century when the Carnegies took ownership of the island. The Carnegies used the island as a winter retreat and built mansions for members of their family. Their private ownership of the island also meant the island escaped commercial development. Now a national park with over 9,800 acres of congressionally-designated wilderness and a limit of 300 visitors admitted per day, Cumberland Island’s pristine beaches and mystical forests will make you feel as if you’re in a new land.

1960: Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has been called a mecca for mid-century modern architecture and design. The popularity of the city as a getaway for the rich and famous coincided with the rise of this distinctive style in the 1950s and 60s. As a resort town rising in the post-war era, many of the city’s residents were willing to take risks building second homes with the new building methods and materials of mid-century modern style. Recent, surging interest in the architectural style has resulted in restorations that bring the style (and the past it represents) back to life.

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11 Top Historical Sites by Charlotte, North Carolina

November 24, 2022 By //  by  Robin Greene

Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is a city with a rich, storied past. For an afternoon with plenty of adventure, check out the top historical sites to put on your North Carolina sights list.

With nearly 900,000 residents, Charlotte is the largest city and with that comes plenty of historic tourist attractions. Here’s a look at some of the best places for reliving the local history, in no particular order:

Freedom Park

Built on a former plantation dating back to the early 1800s, Freedom Park is one of the area’s most popular sites. The park opened at the end of WWII as a memorial to veterans.

Spanning almost 100 acres , the park now features a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, bike trails, park concerts, performances, and so much more. It’s also home to the Charlotte Museum of History and Nature Museum featuring many interactive exhibits. With so much to do, Freedom Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

James K Polk Memorial & Museum

The site is open to the public and is a great look into the life of Polk and his family. Located in the Pineville area of Charlotte, the James K. Polk Historic Site sits on 21 acres from the original homesite. Serving as the 11th president of the United States, Polk is one of the area’s most famous residents.

The site is a representation of what life was like on the Polk farm during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Main Cabin has been reconstructed to represent its early 1790s structure, and a representation of the Kitchen Cabin stands nearby.

A museum with artifacts from President Polk’s life includes a look at his rise to fame through politics and a glimpse into the Mexican-American War.

Hezekiah Alexander Homesite

This four-story, 5,000-square-foot Rock House was built in 1774 by General Hezekiah Alexander who helped draft North Carolina’s first Constitution. Standing now as the oldest house in Charlotte, the home remained in the Alexander family until 1892 when it was donated to the city as a historical site.

Today, this small plantation-style Rock House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the homesite, you’ll explore all levels of the historic home. It features period-style furniture and artifacts showing that people have been on the land for thousands of years.

Throughout the sites’ grounds, lush gardens, and expansive lawns, you get a glimpse into what daily life was like during that time period. With five structures to explore and expansive gardens, you will definitely see what 18th Century life was like.

Reed Gold Mine

Reed Gold Mine is just a short drive from Charlotte and is where America’s first gold rush began. The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 set off a wave of gold fever that lasted for decades.

Visitors can go underground to tour the mine shaft tunnels . While there, try panning for gold, and explore the museum to learn about gold mining history. Open to the public, the many walking trails, picnic areas, and informational sites around the expansive grounds will have visitors touring what life was like in the 1800s.

Independence Square

This square is where the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed in 1775, making it one of the most important Revolutionary War sites. It’s the site of the first public library in North Carolina and also served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

Today, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, as well as a playground and fountain for kids. Independence Square is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Liberty Bell replica and the Harriet Tubman statue.

Levine Museum of the New South

This museum is dedicated to telling the story of the New South, which encompasses the post-Civil War period up to present day. Through exhibits, artifacts, and first-person accounts, the facility brings this period of history to life.

The Levine Museum of the New South does an excellent job of showcasing Charlotte’s role during this period of American history through interactive exhibitions and programs. The museum also addresses the topic of race relations in the South.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

If you’re in Charlotte for more than a day, this is a terrific day trip for anyone interested in trains and local history. You can take a tour, learn about transportation in North Carolina, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hop aboard one of the vintage trains for a unique rail excursion.

Trains generally operate on weekends and holidays from April through October but be sure to check the schedule in advance. And if you happen to be exploring Charlotte during the November and December Holidays, the museum has many special holiday events, tours, and train rides. Hint: The Polar Express excursion is an all time favorite! .

The Mint Museum

The Mint Museum is a great place to learn about the history of money and how it is made. The first mint facility was built in Philadelphia but relocated in 1837 to Charlotte where the gold eagles were minted on April 3, 1838.

The museum is home to permanent exhibits on the history of money, medals, and numismatics. It also houses an impressive collection of pottery and art from around the world, as well as exhibitions on topics like fashion and design. The museum is open to the public and is a must-visit spot for those that love art, history, or both.

Historic Fourth Ward

If you’re looking for a taste of Charlotte history, look no further than the Historic Fourth Ward. This charming neighborhood is full of historical homes and buildings  dating back to the city’s founding in 1768.

As the city grew and developed in the nineteenth century, wealthy merchants and professionals built stately homes along North Tryon and South Church Streets. For districting purposes, this area eventually became known as the “Fourth Ward” in 1852.

Today, Fourth Ward is on the National Register of Historic Places and is vibrant with a mix of shops, restaurants, office buildings, and, of course, historic homes. This historic neighborhood is home to several museums and within walking distance to Uptown Charlotte.

Billy Graham Library & Homesite

The Billy Graham Library is housed in a 40,000-square-foot building that was once part of the original dairy farm owned by Reverend Billy Graham’s parents. The farmhouse has been restored to look as it did when the Graham family lived there in the 1920s and 1930s.

You can view memorabilia from Billy Graham’s 50+ years in ministry, watch videos of some of his most famous crusades, and learn more about his incredible life story. The main gallery of the library contains exhibits on different aspects of Reverend Billy Graham’s life and work.

If visiting Charlotte during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, this is one stop you don’t want to miss. Horse-drawn carriage rides, storytelling, Christmas caroling, and an impressive light display are certain to put you in the Christmas mood.

Rosedale Plantation (aka Frew’s Folly)

When you walk through the front door of Rosedale Plantation, you’re transported back to antebellum history. What began as a cotton plantation is now an urban oasis brimming with tales from the generations of those who lived and worked at the plantation.

The elaborate lifestyle of the plantation owner, Archibald Frew, a Charlotte postmaster and tax collector, is found on every floor of the restored 1815 homesite. A visit to the recreated blacksmith shop shows the importance of early plantation ironworks. The Rosedale grounds feature the Big Tree museum and countless native plants. And you may even spot a peacock or two!

Special events at Rosedale and guided tours of this 1815 Federal Style house are available through ticket purchases. For a paranormal experience, take part in the haunted history tour for tales of past residents who have chosen to remain behind.

As you can see, there’s much more to Charlotte, North Carolina than meets the eye. From plantations to libraries to museums and more, there are countless sites to explore in this vibrant city. So if you’re looking for some Charlotte adventures, be sure to add these historical places to your itinerary.

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Historical Tours & Trips in USA

Step back in time and learn the secrets of ancient times on a historical tour of USA. With 216 adventures, you're sure to visit the best historical places packed full of stories from days long ago.

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216 historical tour packages in usa with 1,384 reviews.

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

This was an excellent experience

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hawaiian Explorer (8 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Rapid City, 9 Days)

Enchanting Canyonlands (Classic, 7 Days)

I wanted to say excellent, but there is room for improvement. The website could be better. It required passport information with no option for "Not applicable." As a U.S. Citizen traveling in the U.S., a passport wasn't needed, but I continued to get reminders to complete my profile. Fortunately, I got an email assuring me I didn't need the passport, but I suggest updating your website. The descriptions of several days said "relaxed start," but most days, we had to be up early enough to be showered, dressed, and have our suitcases ready for pickup by 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. As an east-coaster, that was fine for me because of the time difference, but normally, I wouldn't call that relaxed. The sites were stunning, the optional activities were great, although one that I wanted to do got canceled due to a storm and there was no way to reschedule. The lodging was great at each stop and the provided meals were excellent. Some of the suggested "on-your-own" spot for meals were not so good. The change of lodging plans at the Grand Canyon was disappointing because we didn't get to see the sunrise at the Grand Canyon or the stars late the night before. Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park were all fantastic, and we were blessed with great weather for most of the trip. Everyone should see these wonders of God's creation.

• Food & Culinary

Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Georgia History Trail to Nashville

• In-depth Cultural

American Gateway – 4 Days

Overall the 2 tour guides were good, especially Brian who guided us from NJ La Quinta to Philadelphia, Amish Country to DC and back to NY. Loved his sense of humor, his knowledge- will definitely recommend him to anyone! Great job Brian! And thank you !!

• Coach / Bus

Eastern Discovery (10 Days)

It was a great experience

Canyon Country Showcase (7 Days, Las Vegas Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

New York and Washington

New York to Miami (10 Days)

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Denver, 13 Days, Denver Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) (19 destinations)

It was an enjoyable good for thw value tour. The first night accomodation in Circus Circus was very poor. Other accomations were fair to good. The transportation was good. A little more information about geography and history would be helpful and add to the total experience. All breakfasts and some dinners need to be included to make it hassel free.

Los Angeles, Las Vegas with National Parks ROT

USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Philadelphia & Amish Country 4D/3N (from New York)

Good and well informed guides, even with heavy non-English accents, and much consideration for tourists' needs.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Historical Tours in USA

It was an awesome tour. Saw and did so much. I would recommend Trafalgar to tour with. We are booked next year for The Colorful Trails of the SW in September. I want to say our tour director,Tyler Browning, is one of the best guides we have had. He is personable, friendly, caring, very knowledgeable and on top of everything. He is GREAT!

I wanted to say excellent, but there is room for improvement. The website could be better. It required passport information with no option for "Not applicable." As a U.S. Citizen traveling in the U.S., a passport wasn't needed, but I continued to get reminders to complete my profile. Fortunately, I got an email assuring me I didn't need the passport, but I suggest updating your website. The descriptions of several days said "relaxed start," but most days, we had to be up early enough to be showered, dressed, and have our suitcases ready for pickup by 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. As an east-coaster, that was fine for me because of the time difference, but normally, I wouldn't call that relaxed. The sites were stunning, the optional activities were great, although one that I wanted to do got canceled due to a storm and there was no way to reschedule. The lodging was great at each stop and the provided meals were excellent. Some of the suggested "on-your-own" spot for meals were not so good. The change of lodging plans at the Grand Canyon was disappointing because we didn't get to see the sunrise at the Grand Canyon or the stars late the night before. Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park were all fantastic, and we were blessed with great weather for most of the trip. Everyone should see these wonders of God's creation.

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13 best historic mansions you can visit in Upstate NY

• Published: Nov. 10, 2016, 12:30 p.m.
• Chuck D'Imperio

Gary Walts | [email protected]

13 best historic Upstate NY mansions you can visit

By Chuck D'Imperio | Contributing writer

When it comes to regal, historic mansions, Upstate New York has an embarrassment of riches. Lucky for us, many of these are now open to the public. What a fun way to get a glimpse of the glories of another era. Here are a baker's dozen mansions worthy of a look. Of course, there are hundreds of them across the state. Which ones would you add to the list?

Stephen D. Cannerelli | [email protected]

Seward House Mansion (Auburn)

Built in 1816 by the Miller family, this became the home of William H. Seward when he married Elijah Miller's daughter, Frances. Seward went on to become a U.S. Senator, New York State Governor and U.S. Secretary of State. The house is now a museum to Mr. and Mrs. Seward's life and times. During one period, while Mr. Seward was travelling overseas, Mrs. Seward harbored runaway slaves in the mansion's' basement!

John Renfro via flickr

Schuyler Mansion (Albany)

This historic brick mansion was built in 1761 for Revolutionary War hero General Philip Schuyler.  Many of that era's famous personalities came, visited and stayed the night at this mansion. In fact, Elizabeth Schuyler, Philip's second daughter, got married to Alexander Hamilton in the parlor of this mansion on Dec. 14, 1780.

NYup.com file photo

Yaddo (Saratoga Springs)

The present structure was built by financier Samuel Trask after his original home burned down in 1881. The stone and wood Queen Anne Revival mansion is not technically open to the public as it is an active working writer's colony. It is a three-story, tower-topped, 55-room estate encompassing nearly 50,000 square feet. However, the famous Yaddo Gardens, which surround the estate, are visited by thousands each year. The writer's colony here has hosted 66 Pulitzer Prize winners, 61 National Book Award winners and a double Nobel Prize-winning writer (Saul Bellow).

Pubdog via Wikimedia Commons

Governor Reuben Fenton Mansion (Jamestown)

Now the home of the Fenton History Center, this Jamestown landmark was built in 1863. The brick mansion known as "Walnut Grove" features a four-story tower and a life-size bronze statue of Gov. Fenton on the front lawn. He was governor of New York from 1869 to 1875. The Italianate Villa design sets this building apart from the other historic buildings in the city. The mansion is filled with period antiques and is a popular venue for public and private events.

Jeff Goulding for nyup.com

Olana (Hudson)

This is one of Upstate New York's most visited mansions. Located in Columbia County, this 1872 home incorporates a hodge-podge mix of architectural designs to best reflect the owner's love of world travels. Painter Frederic Church positioned his mansion to take advantage of the breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley in the distance. The valley, and the Hudson River itself, was the subject of many of his most famous paintings. Tours here, of both the mansion and the grounds, are extremely popular, and many interesting public events are scheduled every year. And be sure and ask about the four teapots located on the top of the tower!

Michael Greenlar | [email protected]

George Eastman Mansion (Rochester)

This was the home of George Eastman. Today it is a museum which holds the world's largest and oldest photography collections. Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak, was a millionaire who spent considerable sums creating this extravagant mansion, which he bequeathed to the University of Rochester at the time of his death. The building lacks nothing in splendor, extravagance and excess. Rooms include a conservatory, billiard room, library, great hall, living room and much more. Note the large African elephant trophy head crashing through the wall above your head in the Conservatory. Guided tours are offered daily. The public is not allowed into Eastman's private bedroom quarters on the second floor where he committed suicide on March 14, 1932.

Jay Parker via flickr

Skene Manor (Whitehall)

This 1874 Gothic stone mansion was built overhanging a mountain in Whitehall in 1874. The view from here is spectacular. It is three stories tall, features a clock tower and is made of sandstone blocks quarried from the mountainside by a team of Italian stonemasons. Some call this one of the most haunted mansions in Upstate New York. Tours are given, and many public events are held inside this gorgeous structure.

George Fisher | Visit1000Islands

Boldt Castle (Thousand Islands)

This is one of the most popular mansions in all of Upstate New York. Literally thousands of visitors have come to this island mansion over the years. Doomed and sad, the home was a love token built by the millionaire general-manager of the Waldorf Astoria hotel, George Boldt.  The object of this tender souvenir was to be his wife, Louise Kherer Boldt. Unfortunately she died in 1904 before the home was finished and Boldt walked away from it. The mansion, projected to have been one of the largest private residences in the U.S., sat empty and forlorn in the middle of the St. Lawrence River for almost 75 years before preservationists came to its rescue. Tours today reveal the extreme opulence and luxuriousness of what was to be a happy home for Mr. and Mrs. Boldt.

apryldenise via flickr

Hyde Hall (Cooperstown)

This home, at the head of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, has been called the "finest example of neoclassical country house design in the country." Built between 1817 and 1834 for the George Clarke family, the stone mansion consists of dozens of rooms including massive entertaining rooms which feature 20 foot ceilings. Tours are offered, and the view of the lake, referred to as the "Glimmerglass" by native-Cooperstown author James Fenimore Cooper, can be breathtaking.

Carol via flickr

Phelps Mansion (Binghamton)

This stunning 1870 mansion was built as the home of Binghamton Mayor Sherman Phelps. The architect of this three-floor Second Empire-style extravagance was Isaac G. Perry, who also worked on the New York State Capitol as the building's last lead architect (1883-1899). The mansion is packed with historic artwork, rare antiques, period furniture and unusual woodwork. Tours are very popular and many public events are scheduled here, hosted by the current owners, the Phelps Mansion Museum.

Lizzylane via flickr

Clermont (Germantown)

Seven generations of the famous Livingston family called this mansion home. The estate was built in 1740 on 13,000 acres of lush Hudson River Valley property. Tours of the home and gardens are available, and there is a gift shop and a public event area (many weddings are held at Clermont). A visitor's center tells the story of the famous Livingstons who lived here, including Robert, who swore George Washington into office and who helped draft the Declaration of Independence.

Joed Viera for nyup.com

McClurg Mansion (Westfield)

Now the home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, this residence was built in 1818 for James McClurg, the son of a wealthy Pittsburgh industrialist. The mansion is packed with Victorian collectibles on all three floors and tours are popular. Be sure and check out the extensive collection of antique dolls in the children's nursery room. When it was built, locals called this "McClurg's Folly" for its unusually expansive layout and attention to extravagant design.

Heather Ainsworth for syracuse.com

Rose Hill Mansion (Geneva)

With its graceful columned façade, this grand home was built in 1839 and was once one of the great centers for society life and agricultural productivity in the beautiful Finger Lakes community. More than 20 rooms have been restored and are open (seasonally) to the public. Of interesting note is that one of the owners, Robert Swan, invented a method for farming using drain tiles as an irrigation method. Cornell University called this "the greatest agricultural innovation of its time (1850s). The views of Seneca Lake from the front porch are gorgeous.

Gary Walts for nyup.com

Rent this Upstate NY mansion for $3K a night

Read more: The 27-room Casa Blanca mansion in the Thousand Islands  could be yours for just $3,000 a night or $20,000 per week.

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Best Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

• Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best landmarks & historical buildings near me?

Some of the best landmarks & historical buildings near me are:

What are the most reviewed landmarks & historical buildings near me?

Some of the most reviewed landmarks & historical buildings near me are:

What are the most recently reviewed places near me?

Some of the most recently reviewed places near me are: