These sites, listed as National Historic Landmarks, allow you to learn about Virginia’s fascinating past. Jamestown Settlement offers tours through reconstructed 1607 fort and Powhatan Indian village at Jamestown Settlement for living history experiences.
Monticello was home to Thomas Jefferson when America first emerged. George Mason’s Gunston Hall features exquisite English Rococo carvings as well as an antique 1770 walnut bookcase complete with 38-piece flatware from that period.
Mount Vernon
The estate of the first president of the United States is an esteemed historic site, depicting his life and that of the American Revolution. You can tour his mansion and learn about its former slave inhabitants as you stroll through its gardens.
Twenty-three state-of-the-art galleries and theaters explore Washington’s life and legacy. You’ll witness his rise from surveyor to leader of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; his eventual triumph; and how Mount Vernon has flourished over time into an impressive home that remains today.
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne on Jamestown Island marks the site of North America’s first permanent English settlement. You’ll have an opportunity to watch archaeologists digging on site while learning more about colonists’ role in creating representative democracy.
Explore indoor exhibit galleries and short films depicting the cultures of Powhatan Indians, European settlers, and West Central Africans who came together in 1607. Additionally, stroll through a replica fort and climb aboard recreations of Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed ships; even visit “The Angela Site,” where archaeologists discovered remains from one of America’s first enslaved African women – one who may have even been named Angela herself!
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park (formerly Seashore State Park) marks the site where English colonists first set foot in 1607. Now known as First Landing State Park (FLSP), FLSP offers camping, fishing, swimming and access to its public beach.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers an immersive tour of Colonial life and war’s origins through an experiential theater, or by engaging with civilian, medical, and soldier reenactors who demonstrate everyday activities – like loading a musket!
This park features a 19-mile trail system that traverses protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beaches, dunes, forests and cypress swamps – providing a natural oasis within minutes of Virginia Beach.
Fort Monroe National Monument
From its first English settlement in 1607 until today, this area has played a vital role in America’s history. Serving as an army base during both World Wars (WAR of 1812 & CIVIL WAR), and even becoming a National Natural Landmark itself.
At Fort Sumter you can explore its many buildings, such as Quarters One which was used as the commander’s residence from 1819-1907; also visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park where Lee surrendered to Grant, marking an end to America’s bloodiest conflict.
Fort Sumter holds an incredible and unappreciated history related to slavery as well. Enslaved African Americans like Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker, and James Townsend sought refuge there from Union soldiers seeking protection. This led to one of America’s most dramatic–yet obscure–chapters that marked its end and signalled an unprecedented chapter in American history.
Jamestown Settlement
Virginia colonists established the first representative legislative assembly in 1619; its structure served as a model for future colonies due to a crop introduced by shipwrecked John Rolfe: tobacco.
Jamestown fulfilled the criteria that the Virginia Company, who funded Jamestown, stipulated in selecting its site: it was surrounded by water on three sides and located inland, making it easily defensible against possible Spanish attacks.
The park also includes recreations of Powhatan Village and James Fort, circa 1610-1614, along with a museum and theater. Furthermore, Appomattox National Historical Park marks where General Ulysses S. Grant made his breakthrough that signaled an end to the American Civil War.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns are an enchanting natural and historic landmark located less than two hours away from Washington DC. Discovered by tinsmith and photographer William Tinsley in 1878, Luray Caves have since become one of the most visited caverns on the East Coast and an official national natural landmark.
Be sure to spend time exploring the Garden Maze which features over 1500 evergreen hedges for hours of fun for all ages. When temperatures soar, mist stations are strategically located throughout this fun maze to help keep visitors cool and hydrated!
Aboveground, visit the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum and Shenandoah Heritage Village; both museums are included with your ticket for caverns.
