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The historical places in the USA are an interesting tour of America’s rich history and evolving culture. From colonial colonies along the East Coast to civil rights landmarks and Native American sites preserved, the places represent turning points in American history. If you’re an architecture lover, a history enthusiast, or you just love to dig into stories of the past, the U.S. has hundreds of historic places to visit. Each place provides you with a glimpse of the people and events that shaped the country.
10 Historical Places In The Usa You Must Not Miss
Prior to travelling to these places of historical significance, take note that they are not just stories. Each place is a mix of culture, architecture, and history.
1. Independence Hall, Pennsylvania
Photo: Rdsmith4 / Wikimedia Commons
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most famous landmarks in American history. It is the location of the Second Continental Congress and the debating and signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the United States Constitution in 1787. As the cradle of American democracy, Independence Hall is unmatched in significance in America’s founding narrative. Today, it is a symbol of freedom and government, which is toured by an estimated millions of visitors each year. A UNESCO World Heritage Property, it is preserved as part of Independence National Historical Park.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Main Attractions: Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court
How To Reach: Conveniently reached on SEPTA public transport or by automobile
2. The Alamo, Texas
Photo: Ligocsicnarf89 / Wikimedia Commons
The Alamo is an historic landmark in San Antonio, Texas, and one of the most popular landmarks in the United States. It was made famous as the location of the legendary Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where a group of Texan defenders gallantly fought an army of Mexicans many times larger. Although the battle was a defeat for the Texans, it became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice in fighting towards gaining Texas’ independence from Mexico. The Alamo is now a museum and memorial, with millions of visitors annually to discover its rich history.
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Main Attractions: Alamo Gardens, Long Barrack Museum, Church building
How To Reach: In downtown; within walking distance, accessible by bus or vehicle
3. Mount Vernon, Virginia
Photo: Ser Amantio di Nicolao / Wikimedia Commons
Mount Vernon in Virginia was George Washington, the first President of America, home away from home. The historic estate gives a glimpse of 18th-century life of a plantation and one of America’s Founding Fathers’ private life. The stunningly well-preserved mansion, outbuildings, gardens, and operational farm provide visitors with a true glimpse of the day-to-day lives, architecture, and agricultural practices at the time. The museum and education centre on-site include personal effects, correspondence, and exhibits portraying Washington’s leadership, legacy, and influence in American history.
Location: Mount Vernon, Virginia
Main Attractions: Mansion tour, gardens, distillery, museum
How To Reach: Approximately 15 miles south of Washington D.C.; car or bus accessible
4. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is arguably the most significant place to travel to in all of American history. It is where the decisive Battle of Gettysburg was fought in 1863, generally acknowledged as the decisive battle of the American Civil War. This pivotal battle was a demonstration of extraordinary sacrifice and gallantry, the turning point of the fight to preserve the Union. The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his iconic Gettysburg Address. The visitor centre features interpretive exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia programs that put the battle and its history to rest.
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Main Attractions: Battlefield tours, Soldiers’ National Cemetery, museum
How To Reach: Take a bus or drive from neighbouring cities like Harrisburg or Baltimore
5. Ellis Island & Statue Of Liberty, New York
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Ellis Island, which is situated in New York Harbor, was the most busy immigration inspection station in the United States between 1892 and 1954. More than 12 million immigrants passed through during those years in pursuit of a better life in America. The island stands for hope, possibility, and the complex beginnings of the American populace. Today, it is the location of the National Museum of Immigration where visitors are able to stroll through galleries laden with artifacts that tell the history of individuals who arrived with visions of a fresh beginning.
Location: New York Harbor
Main Attractions: Immigration Museum, Liberty Island, ferry boat tours
How To Get There: Ferry boats from Battery Park (NY) and Liberty State Park (NJ)
6. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Photo: Massimo Catarinella / Wikimedia Commons
Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site in Colorado, is famous for its exquisitely preserved cliff dwellings constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans more than 700 years ago. The ancient ruins give insight into the way of life and existence of one of North America’s most intriguing Native people. Tourists can see preserved houses, ceremonial kivas, and other archaeological sites within the cliffs that give an idea of the sophisticated architecture and society of the Puebloans. Mesa Verde ranks among the historic sites to be visited in the United States based on their cultural heritage and archaeological importance.
Location: Montezuma County, Colorado
Main Attractions: Cliff Palace, Balcony House, archaeological ruins
How To Reach: Durango airport is nearest; rent cars recommended
7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hawaii
Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu commemorates the memories of the fateful December 7, 1941, surprise attack that engaged America in World War II. The focal point of the memorial is the USS Arizona Memorial that bridges the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor. It serves as a touching memorial to the sailors and Marines who lost their lives in the surprise attack on the ill-fated day. Aside from the memorial, the complex also features a museum and a few exhibits filled with historical context, personal narratives, and traces of the event.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Main Attractions: USS Arizona Memorial, museums, documentary screenings
How To Reach: Public transportation or rental cars from Honolulu
8. Boston Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Photo: Drork / Wikimedia Commons
Boston Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking tour that takes one through 16 places of historic significance, which happens to be among the most frequently visited historic places in the USA. The walk guides visitors through the reconstructed history of the American Revolutionary War era, where they have the opportunity to see the most historic places like Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. During this period, it is possible for strollers to tour places like the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall, and the Boston Massacre site, all of which include the histories of America’s struggle for independence.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Main Attractions: Bunker Hill Monument, Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House
How To Reach: Walking distance from most downtown Boston hotels
9. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Photo: AlbertHerring / Wikimedia Commons
Colonial Williamsburg is America’s largest living-history museum, offering an interactive peek at life in 18th-century America. The historic town is re-created with authentic buildings and costumed interpreters who bring the colonial era to life with actual demonstrations and oral history. Visitors are able to walk through the Governor’s Palace, historic homes, shops, and taverns, all restored to depict the everyday lives of early Americans. The museum provides a unique, hands-on way of experiencing the social life, politics, and culture that led up to the American Revolution.
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Main Attractions: Governor’s Palace, Capitol, trade shops
How To Reach: Conveniently reached from Richmond or Norfolk by car
10. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Georgia
Photo: Riis2602 / Wikimedia Commons
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta is a poignant site that honors one of America’s most iconic civil rights figures. The site encompasses Dr. King’s childhood home where individuals can acquaint themselves with his formative life and upbringing. The park also has the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father preached and acted as beacons for the movement towards equality and justice. It also has Dr. King’s final resting place, where individuals can sit and think about his enduring legacy.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Major Attraction: Ebenezer Baptist Church, King Center, memorial garden
How To Reach: Conveniently located; accessible by MARTA or car
From revolution to civil rights, the historical places in the USA retain the tales that shaped the nation. Be you inclined towards museums, monuments, or archaeological wonders, every site provides a different insight into America’s rich past. To view these everlasting stories and forge memories that will last a lifetime, plan your trip with TripXL which is your guide to finding the country’s greatest historic sites.
Cover Photo: Matt Briney / Unsplash
