Pennsylvania was instrumental in the formation of America, being the first place to ratify both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. There are plenty of historic spots worth seeing throughout Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth.
Explore history at Fort Ligonier War Fort where George Washington trained. Or tour Landis Valley Museum & Village’s Living History Farm where costumed guides provide insights into PA German rural culture and traditions.
1. Fort Pitt Block House
The Block House served to defend Fort Pitt from Native American attacks during the mid-18th century. Once decommissioned from military use, it became both a single family dwelling and eventually multi-family tenement structures.
This historical landmark represents the oldest part of Fort Pitt still standing in Pittsburgh and represents an invaluable link in Pittsburgh’s past.
2. Kosciuszko National Monument
Thaddeusz Kosciuszko National Memorial commemorates the life of Polish soldier and American patriot Thaddeusz Kosciuszko who helped defend America during its Revolutionary War. This Philadelphia site preserves his home where he stayed on his second trip back from helping liberate his adopted countrymen and leading an unsuccessful uprising against imperial Polish military in Poland.
Tours, living history demonstrations and special events are available here.
3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site stands as a testament to one of America’s most notorious writers whose home still stands, located in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood.
This house provides a glimpse into the writer’s haunted and dark mind. He lived here for six years, during which time he wrote many of his most celebrated works such as The Fall of the House of Usher and The Tell-Tale Heart.
4. Pennsylvania State Museum
The Pennsylvania State Museum offers an incredible journey into all aspects of Pennsylvania life, such as art, archaeology and history. Additionally, there are an abundance of fascinating science and natural history exhibits to discover and enjoy.
Harrisburg’s building is filled with paintings, sculptures and antique clocks; its rotunda contains Belize mahogany desks and Irish marble from Ireland for display in its rotunda. Acheson’s home stands as another notable site – he invented carborundum through self-education!
5. Penn State University
Penn State (or PSU) is a public land-grant research university located in State College and College Township in Pennsylvania.
Washington Crossing Park commemorates the spot where General George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War. The park features a memorial and visitor’s center. Horsehoe Curve is an engineering feat created in 1854 by Irish immigrant workers.
6. Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is one of only two funicular railways remaining from Pittsburgh’s days as a bustling coal town, constructed to scale Mount Washington (also known as Coal Hill). Completed in 1877.
Experience Pittsburgh by riding along city views or exploring its museum, which can give an in-depth view of its rich past. It’s the ideal way to get acquainted with this vibrant city!
7. Drake Well Museum & Park
Drake Well, discovered oil in 1859 and revolutionized our modern world. The park recreates that narrative through orientation films, exhibits and operating oil field machinery.
Ligonier’s history dates back more than 100 years. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali began his legend here. Additionally, there are historic structures and CCC-era buildings within its borders.
8. Landis Valley Museum
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history museum which gathers, preserves and interprets the history and material culture of Pennsylvania’s rural German community from 1740-1940. Administered by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with Landis Valley Associates as partners.
Explore manufacturing, farming techniques, food preservation techniques, craft making and quilting on an educational tour. Additionally, join crafting workshops highlighting historic techniques.
9. Liberty Bell
In 1752, the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered a bell to be cast in London. Unfortunately, during its first test ringing it cracked during a test run; as such it was recast in Philadelphia by artisans John Pass and John Stow using Leviticus 25:10 as its motto: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all its Inhabitants”. Its engraving read “Proclaim Liberty throughout All Land to All Its Inhabitants.”
When the British took control of Philadelphia in 1777, the Bell was removed under armed guard and taken away to a church to be hidden until its return in 1778.
10. Pennsylvania State Museum
The Pennsylvania State Museum showcases Pennsylvania’s history from Earth’s creation to industrial and technological innovations, from dinosaur bones and the Marshalls Creek Mastodon to Amish lifestyles and historic sites in Harrisburg’s museum.
Discover an elaborate rotunda designed like St Peter’s Basilica featuring Belize mahogany desks, marble from Ireland and symbols representing America’s Civil War – not forgetting of course, its iconic Liberty Bell!
