Few historical landmarks can match Stonehenge for sheer intrigue and mystery, yet scientists continue to work at unraveling its secrets.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania brings history alive for visitors with living historian demonstrations and battlefield tours during the American Civil War. George Washington took his oath of office at Federal Hall National Memorial.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is an epicenter for American history and home to numerous iconic historical places worth visiting, many of them located within Old City or Independence National Historical Park; however there are also many incredible landmarks that don’t fit neatly into either category.
The Betsy Ross House on Arch Street is widely known as the birthplace of America’s flag. Visitors can tour it themselves or be guided around by knowledgeable tour guides to learn about Betsy, an upholsterer from Pennsylvania who created America’s original flag.
The National Constitution Center offers visitors an engaging learning experience and allows them to sign the Declaration of Independence and other historic documents, providing an engaging interactive learning experience in what many consider America’s most historic square mile. Entrance is free.
Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place for five signers of the Declaration of Independence and one founding father, making this two-acre site feel more intimate with history. Come explore it today to gain a greater insight into these individuals who helped to shape our country as it stands today!
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia is an exceptional historical destination to explore. Famous tourist spots include Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and College of William and Mary (U.S. #2 oldest university). Williamsburg reflects its rich heritage through museum exhibitions, sculptures and educational tours that showcase its past glory.
This historic town offers visitors an interactive colonial history experience through reenactments and demonstrations that bring colonial life back to life. They can interact with period-wear reenactors while learning more about everyday settlers’ lives through Colonial garden tours, period food tasting, and exploring woodland trails.
Visitors can avoid large crowds by traveling on weekdays. Many major attractions open early or late, providing a more peaceful visit experience. Furthermore, bikeshare or shuttle services can make transportation easy around town; alternatively you could join a special event tour to have more personalized experience of it all – or simply spend your downtime at one of the local restaurants or shopping centers!
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls in central New York was home to an 1848 women’s convention which initiated the American Suffragette Movement, and has become an epicenter for feminist suffrage ever since. Now this historic town celebrates its past through museums, monuments and private attractions that honor its past.
At the center of it all is the museum, which chronicles the story of the convention while spotlighting five original participants –Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Mary Livermore, Lucretia Mott and Octavia Hill–and shows you where its Declaration of Sentiments was drafted on its tableExternal. There are also exhibits showcasing trailblazing American women like Anne Hutchinson to Donna Reed.
The two-story museum also boasts an impressive gift shop selling mugs, totes and literature related to women’s rights. Additionally, its adjacent historic district provides an idyllic stroll, with thrift and antique stores located among restaurants and bars that look like local hangouts; making this an excellent starting point for discovering Cayuga Lake wineries as well as Ithaca village itself.
Jamestown
Jamestown (or James City), founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States. During its early days, survivalist cannibalism and forced migration of African enslaved laborers were hallmarks of its existence.
The Virginia Company also warned the settlers against disease, insisting that all men must proactively guard against infection; they instructed that sick individuals be hidden away and dead bodies be interred twice so as not to spread illness further.
At Jamestown National Historical Park today, visitors can learn the story of its historic fort and Powhatan village by touring a living-history museum devoted to them as part of Colonial National Historical Park. You’ll also get to board replicas of three ships that brought the initial settlers from England as well as visit a riverfront discovery area where European, Powhatan and African economies interact around water resources.
