When traveling around the country and you want to learn a little about its history visit some of the best historical travel spots in the US.
Although there’s plenty of history to be found everywhere you go in the United States, most of the history that shaped this nation can be found along the eastern seaboard. The states that are part of the original 13 colonies are packed with historical sites and spots that tell a tale when you visit them. Here are a few you could enjoy.
Salem, MA
Salem was founded in 1626, long before the United States was a thought in the heads of the founding fathers. This incredible northeastern coastal city features stories about everything from witches and pirates to the maritime movements that found their way to this coastal town. This town is most well known for the Salem witch trials and features the Salem With Museum, but that’s not all. Other popular locations to visit are The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Plymouth, MA
Another coastal city in Massachusetts that features some incredible history is Plymouth. This town features many historic homes, museums, and monuments dedicated to the Wampanaog Indian Tribe and the first settlers in the New England Colony. This is also where you’ll find the city’s 9/11 Memorial, which is located just north of Plymouth Rock. You can stay at some historic hotels and quaint bed-and-breakfast locations, which give you the full feeling of the colonial northeast. This is a beautiful coastal city to visit, and it’s easily one of the best historical travel spots.
Jamestown, VA
The first English settlers established an American Colony at Jamestown in 1607. The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum with many people in costume telling the tale of the life and times when this incredible settlement began. You can climb on replicas of the three ships that brought colonists to Virginia and learn about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, which was the closest Powhatan tribal group to Jamestown. If you enjoy Jamestown, you should also stop by Paspahegh town and see the history offered there.
Philadelphia, PA
When you want to visit one of the best historical travel spots in the entire country, Philadelphia should be near the top of your list. This is where you can see Benjamin Franklin’s influence on the first capital city o the country. Independence Hall is one of the most popular tourist sites, and the location where the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. Of course, you can take a trip away from history to take a photo of the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Boston, MA
Many American firsts occurred in Boston, including the first public library, first subway system, first public school, and first public park. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets where Puritans and Revolutionaries walked in their time. The Freedom Trail runs through Boston, offering visitors views of 16 of the most historic sites in the city. You’ll be pleased to see such locations as the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Fenway Park baseball stadium, and many more. It’s easy to get lost in the romance of the history of Boston when you visit this amazing city.
Washington, D.C.
There’s no denying the incredible density of history and American tradition you’ll find in the nation’s capital city. Any visit to Washington, D.C., is sure to present you with something from the nation’s history, making it one of the best historical travel spots to visit. You can see the US Capitol building, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument in the city area. This city is also home to the Smithsonian Institute, which houses many incredible museums of history and science.
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg itself is a small Pennsylvania town, but the massive 6,000-acre Civil War battlefield is one of the most amazing sites you’ll see in your life. Imagine the absolute carnage that took place on this battlefield as Americans from the North and South fought and killed each other. The Gettysburg Museum of History houses more than 4,000 artifacts from the time, and curators can tell you more about how this town played a role in the nation’s history. Strangely, Gettysburg also played a role in the Cold War, which you can learn about when you visit this wonderful little town.
If you’re looking for a great way to see the sites and learn about the history of America, these are seven of the best historical travel spots for you to visit and enjoy.
