No matter your interests in American history or just looking for things to do in the south, there are numerous historic locations worth seeing. From presidential homes to civil rights museums – there’s something here for everyone.
Visit Fort Sumter – the site of the first shot fired during the Civil War – as well as beautiful antebellum homes at Charleston’s Historic District for an unforgettable trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson stands on Garden Key to protect America’s southern coastline and vital commerce lifeline from sea attacks. With an immense size and innovative design (it is the largest masonry structure in Western Hemisphere), Fort Jefferson remains fascinating to explore even today.
Fort Jefferson stands as an impressive testament to how far humanity has come since slavery first took root in North Florida during this era. One great activity to do while exploring all four sides of the fort is paying attention to brick color differences–darker ones may indicate older bricks.
During the American Civil War, Fort St. Augustine served as both an Union stronghold and naval base despite Florida’s allegiance with the Confederacy. Furthermore, it served as a prison for deserters and criminals such as Dr. Samuel Mudd who treated John Wilkes Booth after the Lincoln assassination.
Frogmore Plantation
Visits can enjoy guided tours of this historic plantation, including its home and collection of buildings, as well as learning about slavery from inside slave cabins. There’s also a Smithsonian-quality steam cotton gin on display and modern farming operations using computerized gins; plus they can visit a Civil War encampment and skirmish site!
George and Lynette Tanner, former teachers themselves, designed this tour for all grade levels to allow them to experience firsthand what life was like as an antebellum slave, sharecropper or modern farm worker today.
Mooresville
Mooresville is an enchanting town filled with history. Many of its original structures have been carefully restored to remain standing today – some even offer tours!
Lake Norman and surrounding communities lie at the epicenter of race country, featuring multiple NASCAR and Busch Grand National ARCA race tracks.
Yorktown Battlefield is one of the best places in southern USA to learn about American Revolutionary history, featuring an interactive museum as well as reconstructed forts and trenches. Visit Moore House where General Cornwallis sent soldiers to negotiate surrender terms with George Washington; don’t miss this must-visit site to experience one of America’s last major battles of revolution!
Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park provides an unprecedented glimpse into our nation’s past. Explore independently or hire a certified battlefield guide for an individualized tour experience along the 16-mile tour road.
This 1,728-acre historic park stands on Vicksburg’s Mississippi Riverbanks and commemorates one of the Civil War’s signature campaigns: General Pemberton’s valiant Confederates against General Ulysses S. Grant’s indefatigable Union army during their 47-day siege battle of Vicksburg.
Monuments and memorials can be found throughout the park, such as a massive Navy obelisk and state memorial featuring sculptures representing all 30 states that sent troops to Vicksburg. Another highlight is the restored Union ironclad gunboat Cairo that sank in Yazoo River only to be recovered 30 years later – another attraction found within its borders.
Memphis
If you are visiting Memphis, be sure to stop by the National Civil Rights Museum – it is one of the country’s premier museums, providing knowledge on civil rights while amplifying Black voices and honoring Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy.
The Davies Manor Plantation is an historic home located along “Millionaire’s Row.” You can visit and tour its property to gain insight into Memphis’ slavery era.
Elmwood Cemetery is an elegant old burial ground in downtown Memphis that’s been visited by politicians, blues singers, and civil rights leaders over its long history. Visitors can choose either a self-guided tour or special historical tour to experience this breathtaking old cemetery that boasts well-kept grounds with plenty of magnificent trees.
