History-rich places abound – from Giza’s iconic pyramids to an English monastery’s crumbling remnants – offering insight into our world and people, from inspirational tales of tragedy.
Visit historic sites associated with the American Revolution such as Boston’s Liberty Tree or Ford’s Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated to gain more knowledge.
Mount Rushmore
An experience at this National Monument of American History ignites patriotism in millions of visitors each year. Stand in awe as four presidents–George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt–carved into a mountainside will remind visitors about America’s birth, growth, development and preservation.
Gutzon Borglum selected these four presidents because they represent America’s first 150 years. His selection deviated from South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson’s initial suggestion of including Western heroes such as Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea, Buffalo Bill Cody or Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse in his proposal.
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is an historic site that includes a museum, working theater and memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. Constructed as First Baptist Church in 1833, later became one of Washington’s premiere theatres and served as its home for more than 200 years before being decommissioned as such in 2012.
Lincoln attended Our American Cousin in April 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shot him. Following this event, the US Government took control of Lincoln’s property; initially for use as the Army Surgeon General’s Record and Pension Office and on its second floor became home for the National Library of Medicine.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg was established in the 1920s and is today known as one of the world’s premier living history museums. Visitors can tour 88 original 18th-century buildings as well as various faithful reproductions; costumed re-enactments depict daily colonial life for visitors to experience.
Visitors to the Civil War Experience can see reenactments of trials, military drills and political debates; visit the original Courthouse, George Wythe House and Public Hospital; stay at period-style inns or participate in workshops like making wigs.
Art lovers will want to visit both the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Independence Hall
Philadelpia pulsates with American history, and Independence Hall stands as an epitome. First constructed as Pennsylvania State House in 1732, later known as Independence Hall it served as home for both Continental Congresses and Constitutional Conventions.
As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is widely seen as its seat of origin due to the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution being debated and signed there. Their legacy — universal principles of freedom and democracy– have since had a ripple effect in countries across the globe.
Guided tours are free, but make sure to arrive early and acquire timed tickets from the visitor center. Also be sure to visit Congress Hall and Liberty Bell Center within Independence National Historical Park for added inspiration!
Women’s Rights National Historical Park
Women’s Rights National Historical Park was created through an Act of Congress in 1980 and preserves the setting of the First Women’s Rights Convention held in July 1848. Visitors can explore Wesleyan Chapel and key participant homes such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s home, M’Clintock House, and Jane Hunt’s house – among many more!
Each of these historic places reveals an ongoing struggle for equality that continues today. By visiting one of these historic locations, visitors will have an opportunity to gain insight into American history while remembering those suffragists who helped pave the way towards women’s suffrage in modern society.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement of Colonial National Historical Park tells the tale of America’s first permanent English colony established in 1607. Established 13 years before Plymouth Colony came into being, Jamestown Settlement opened up a series of cultural encounters that helped shape both America and its global neighboring regions.
The settlers originally decided on a marshy island as they believed ships could dock easily and it was easier to defend themselves, however this location quickly proved unsuitable: disease-ridden mosquitoes made life uncomfortable and brackish water made food scarce.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Our nation’s iconic riverside estate of our first president welcomes over one million visitors annually to explore its stately mansion, historic gardens and working farm. As America’s most visited historic estate it provides a rare insight into 18th-century colonial life.
As soon as he purchased the property in the mid-18th century, Washington rebuilt his house to reflect his status as militia leader, commander of the Continental Army and first President of America. Additionally, he ordered a new tomb for his family members since their original tomb had rapidly degraded over time.
