Tourists and travelers can now explore some of the world’s most significant historical sites, from Alamo in San Antonio to Chichen Itza in Mexico – there are so many incredible spots worth seeing!
Philadelphia’s Independence Hall marks the birthplace of American history and can be explored via guided tour. Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC marks where Abraham Lincoln was shot down; now home to an exhibit dedicated to his weapons.
1. Independence Hall
Independence Hall in Philadelphia was where America’s founding fathers debated and created The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution, now considered part of our history and culture. Additionally, Liberty Square around this building is recognized by UNESCO as an internationally important World Heritage Site.
After its Centennial celebrations in 1876, this site became a national shrine. Since then, major efforts have been undertaken to restore it back to its original design – this included studying paint layers to reconstruct its history.
2. Ford’s Theatre
On April 14th 1865, President Abraham Lincoln attended Ford’s Theatre to see “Our American Cousin.” Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth secretly entered Lincoln’s presidential box and shot him with a single-shot Deringer pistol.
Ford’s Theatre has been open as both an historical site and working theater since 1968, commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s legacy with inspiring theatrical productions and exhibitions. Make an appointment now to visit Ford’s!
3. Museum of the American Revolution
Philadelphia’s historic district offers visitors an alternative narrative of the American Revolution that challenges traditional understandings by emphasizing freedom, republicanism, equality and self-government instead of attachment to Britain or its monarch. Furthermore, this museum demonstrates how it was not limited to Atlantic coastal conflicts alone.
Discover the complexities of America’s founding by exploring indoor galleries that feature artifacts and immersive environments, guided tours offering early access and highlights, neighborhood walking tours, virtual experiences and virtual tours.
4. Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg took place over three days in July 1863 and is considered the bloodiest battle in American history. Today, visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park can experience this event through museums and an enormous cyclorama painting that turn dry battle statistics into an emotional journey.
Begin at the visitor center, where tours and maps of this vast battlefield can be scheduled and obtained. The restored cyclorama provides visitors with an immersive 19th-century IMAX experience, transporting them right into the heart of battle action.
5. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor stands as an emblematic representation of America’s Pacific War experience, serving as home for the USS Arizona Memorial which honors those lost during its attack on December 7, 1941 and two world-class museums with mooring quays along Battleship Row.
Other popular destinations include the Battleship Missouri (Mighty Mo), USS Bowfin submarine and Pacific Aviation Museum. While Arizona Memorial draws the largest visitor numbers each year, all sites deserve equal attention and exploration.
6. Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie
Fort Sumter was constructed following the War of 1812 to protect Charleston Harbor. However, after an American siege between 1863 and 1865 reduced it to rubble, Fort Sumter witnessed its first shot fired during the American Civil War.
Sally Port, which leads directly into Fort Sumter, welcomes visitors for self-guided tours through its ruins and exhibits. These exhibits explain what led up to Civil War.
7. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park’s breathtaking granite cliffs, domes and mountain lakes drew the interest of John Muir who wrote magazine articles advocating for its creation in 1890.
Today, Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park continue to delight and awe visitors and have helped spark one of the first national discussions about valuing wilderness over development during the early 1900s.
8. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass was an emancipated slave, an abolitionist, publisher, orator, civil rights advocate, author and statesman who dedicated his life to fighting for equality and human rights.
Visitors to this historic site can explore his home – Cedar Hill – which he and his wife lived in from 1877 until his death in 1895. Inside are objects which help visitors understand his many contributions to society.
9. New York Historical Society
The New-York Historical Society Museum & Library stands as a major cultural institution in America, housing an array of artifacts and documents related to American history as well as an impressive selection of American artwork.
Through research, exhibitions and public programs it explores the complex history of New York City, State and Nation as a whole. Furthermore it houses the Gilder Lehrman Collection which boasts its fame.
10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most iconic monuments and nearly half of Americans can trace their roots back to Ellis Island – it’s truly an unforgettable experience!
The iconic 151-foot statue was constructed in France before being transported by boat into New York Harbor for assembly on Liberty Island. Be sure to visit its carefully curated museum, too.
