Mankind’s history is an endless trove of curiosities and mysteries. The more one believes they know everything about a historic event or location, the less they may be aware of specific details about them. For people who love to travel and find history fascinating, there are many locations that can satisfy their enthusiasm for both. Certain sites across the country are rich in cultural and human history and have shaped the present and future as well.
Independence Hall, Pennsylvania
This historic site witnessed both the declaration of independence and the signing of the country’s constitution. In that sense, the Independence Hall will always be a transformational site for all citizens. This is one of the best historic sites to visit as it consists of several highlights such as the famous “rising sun” chair in which President Washington sat. Other highlights of this place include the room in which the Constitutional Convention took place nearly 250 years ago. Additionally, history-themed vacations to the Independence Hall include visits to the West Wing in which the historic Declaration of Independence stands alongside the original Constitutional Draft.
All in all, there are few cultural and historical destinations with the gravitas and significance of the Independence Hall.
Ellis Island, New York
Most people who visit New York tend to visit the historic Ellis Island too. This location plays a key role in modern history as it was the first US-based land that immigrants stepped foot on. For that reason, Ellis Island is called the “Gateway to America” by many historians and travel enthusiasts. A key highlight of this island is a gallery that rotates while exhibiting the history and true tales of survival and bravery of all those people who traversed this zone centuries ago. In fact, the descendants of several immigrants who entered the country through this route represent nearly half the population of the country today.
It is one of the most popular vacation spots for history buffs. So, many historical tours and travel companies include this location in their travel packages.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
There is no shortage of iconic national parks across the country. From the Yellowstone National Park to the Zion National Park, there is always a park for people from any state to visit and savor in multiple locations. The Mesa Verde National Park is filled with striking sandstone structures and countless breathtaking views that will make visiting this destination a trip to remember for travelers. It is one of the underrated yet top historic sites to visit in the country.
The real highlight of this park is its 600+ cliff dwellings nestled in its canyon walls. There are many guided tours of 150 of the rooms in the Cliff Palace. These rooms and structures were built over 700 years ago by the Puebloans. One can check out the true grandeur and enduring quality of old and medieval-era architecture as they walk through the tranquil hallways of the palace and the areas surrounding it. This location also exhibits the ruins of older eras and the history behind that.
Old Swedes Church, Delaware
Some of the best places to explore history tend to be old and iconic religious locations. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and similar other institutions of yore would set and regulate traditions and customs, some of which are prevalent or observed even today. In that regard, religious locations form the bedrock of the country’s modern culture.
The Old Swedes Church is one such iconic historic location. Built in Delaware in the 1600s by European settlers, this church is the longest continually running site of worship in the country. The highlights of this location include the burial grounds in which many of the location’s original Swedish settlers are still buried. This 400-year-old colonial architectural marvel rarely fails to amaze its visitors. This is why, history-themed vacation packages are incomplete without a visit to this incredible church.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
The second Pennsylvanian entry on this list is arguably the biggest symbol of cultural and racial equality in the country. The Gettysburg National Military Park consists of approximately 1,328 monuments, memorials, and markers of the American Civil War. This national park is one of the iconic cultural and historical travel destinations as it played center stage to the Battle of Gettysburg.
Some of the highlights of this location include the route of Battle of Gettysburg, from Seminary Ridge and Culp’s Hill to Cemetery Ridge and Devil’s Den. Other attractions include David Wills’ house and a beautiful museum that tells the tale of the town. Visitors can explore the National Park Service Museum as well as the Visitor Center to know in-depth information about the Civil War and related events.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York
This bridge is a historic reminder of New York’s rich architecture and beauty. This bridge was designed by Prussian immigrant John A. Roebling. It consists of Gothic double arches and crisscross steel cables and has plenty of room for cyclists and pedestrians. After its completion in 1883, this bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, has been visited by millions of travelers year on year and is one of the best places for history lovers.
Apart from these locations, some other famous historical landmarks in the USA include the Abraham Lincoln Home, Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Memorial, and US Capitol, among others.