Pennsylvania offers an abundance of historic places that can teach us something about our Founding Fathers or how this nation became industrialized, there’s sure to be something to suit every taste and interest.
Independence Hall should be on any visitor’s itinerary when in Philadelphia. In this building was where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were officially adopted.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park is one of Pennsylvania’s premier historical locations and hosts one of the country’s most visited Civil War battlefields – annually drawing in an average of over 1.6 million visitors!
Visit sites such as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den and Cemetery Hill on either a driving or walking tour to learn about these battles and commemorate those who died during them with memorials and monuments dedicated to those lost during them.
Fort Pitt Block House, part of Pittsburgh Point State Park and featuring museum exhibits and a gift shop, is the last remaining structure from one of the most elaborate British forts constructed during the French and Indian War in North America. It stands as testament to these complex British defense efforts during this era.
Fort Pitt Block House
Fort Pitt stands as an emblematic reminder of Pittsburgh’s transformation from frontier fort to large industrial center and contemporary metropolitan leader over time. Today it can only be found at Point State Park near Pittsburgh’s famous riverfront district, though much more remains of Fort Pitt itself than meets the eye.
The Block House is owned and maintained by a chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution founded in 1891. Many of the women who belong to this chapter are granddaughers or great-granddaughters of Revolutionary soldiers and they fought tirelessly against wealthy developers and Pennsylvania Railroad who sought to demolish all or part of Point District in order to construct warehouses or rail terminals.
Since being saved in 1901, The Block House has served as an open museum. Visitors are welcome to tour its 111 rooms while learning about early construction techniques while viewing period artifacts and digital presentations.
Carrie Furnaces
Carrie Furnaces are part of the legendary Homestead Steel Works that once sprawled along the Monongahela River. Today, their two blast furnaces stand as rare examples of pre-World War II iron production technology; making this site a National Historic Landmark.
Rivers of Steel offers tours that introduce visitors to this historic site. Historians and enthusiastic guides tell tales about its mill, which melted coke, iron ore and flux-like limestone into metal which was later processed at Homestead Works across the river.
Hotel Bethlehem
From Moravian missionaries who risked their lives to spread Christianity to natives in Lehigh Valley in 1741 to steel magnate Charles Schwab’s blast furnaces of the Roaring Twenties and beyond – Bethlehem has seen its share of history. Hotel Bethlehem continues this legacy with world-class service and elegant rooms that have welcomed guests such as Mark Twain, Bill Waldorf Astor and President Ulysses S Grant – Hotel Bethlehem remains true to this heritage and has hosted guests like Mark Twain!
The 125-room Hotel at Central Bethlehem Historic District features numerous facilities such as express check-in/check-out, free shuttle service and 24-hour room service. In addition, guests can take advantage of an in-house gym as well as tour desk services and meeting facilities. In addition, this property provides several suite options such as the Presidential Suite, Governor’s Suite and four Main Street Double Suites for their comfort.
Wheatland State Park
Visit President James Buchanan’s home in Lancaster County and step back through time! Its condition during his presidential campaign in 1856 has been preserved, featuring two and a half stories with three-story wings attached and an ornate Doric porch on its facade.
At the height of the Industrial Revolution, Bradford area of Pennsylvania became known as “Oil City USA.” To gain more insight into its beginning, Penn-Brad Oil Museum offers visitors a place to learn more.
Train enthusiasts must visit Pennsylvania’s Strasburg Rail Road. It is America’s oldest short-line railroad and only remaining narrow gauge common carrier railroad east of the Rocky Mountains; tours and excursions are offered.
