12 US Cities Where History Comes Alive – Must Visit for History Buffs
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Step out of a taxi cab in some US cities, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered the pages of a history book. The following destinations are a must for history fans, from the big northeastern cities to some real Southern Belles. Don’t miss these if you want to delve deeper into the nation’s past times.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia should always be recognized as a hotbed of US history, not least because the Independence National Historical Park can be found here. That’s where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. The city also has many heritage homes, most notably Elfreth’s Alley, which dates back to 1703.
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
A number of historic factors mark out Santa Fe in New Mexico. It’s the oldest state capital in the land and boasts America’s oldest religious building, San Miguel Chapel. Sites not to miss here include the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors, plus the fine depositories of the Museum Hill district.
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Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is home to one of the US’s biggest National Historic Landmark districts, the colonial style Historic District. This southern belle boasts over 1,000 well-preserved historic buildings, original cobbled streets, and elegant city squares. You can also see cotton warehouses from the 19th century on River Street.
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Boston, Massachusetts
With its distinctive brownstone buildings, Boston is one of the most classically handsome cities in the US. You can also visit the prestigious Harvard University, the nation’s first college here. Follow the Freedom Trail to discover all the most historic sites and learn about the country’s once seemingly endless quest for independence.
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Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, also in Massachusetts, rivals Boston in terms of historic significance. You can see the Mayflower II here, as well as iconic Plymouth Rock, and there’s also the Plimoth Plantation Living History Museum, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrims. Plymouth also enjoys a coastal location and a city center packed with charm and character.
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Albany, New York
Dating back to 1614, Albany in New York is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, first settled by Europeans. The Hudson River locates the area and is of historical significance to both English and Dutch colonialism. Sights to list on your itinerary include the New York State Capitol, the Albany Institute of History and Art, and Washington Park.
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New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is packed with historic architecture, not least in the French Quarter. There’s also America’s oldest church in the form of St. Louis Cathedral and the opulent antebellum mansions of the Garden District. Even many of the city’s cafes, bars, and restaurants are housed in historically significant or centuries-old buildings.
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San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio in Texas is the place to learn more about one of the most historic states in the US. The city dates back to around 1718, during the Alamo Mission days, and “Remember the Alamo” is still often seen and heard around town. Many colonial Spanish missions are in the city, forming the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Williamsburg, Virginia
To visit Williamsburg is to take a walk down memory lane in terms of colonial history and the days before the Civil War. Many buildings here have been lovingly restored, and actors in period dress recreate past events. Don’t miss the Capitol Residence, Bruton Parish Church, the Wren Building, or the Governor’s Palace.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Gracious Charleston has a timeless elegance that makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped straight into times gone by. The southern city is steeped in history, reflecting that it was first established as a colony in 1670. Here, you can also tour well-preserved antebellum mansions, understand the history of slavery at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, or learn about the origins of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.
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Washington D.C., District of Columbia
No self-respecting historian can miss Washington, D.C., of course. There are the impressive Smithsonian museums, which seemingly trace the history of almost everything, plus the National Museum of American History, home to the original Star Spangled Banner. You can also explore outside the main attractions via a series of self-guided Neighbourhood Heritage Trails. Then, there’s The White House, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and more.
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St Augustine, Florida
The history of St Augustine in Florida dates back as far as 1565 when the Spanish settled it. Not surprisingly, authentic Spanish colonial architecture is a local specialty, not least the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos. Even the city’s top-notch museums, including the Lightner Museum and the Lincolnville Center, are housed in historic buildings.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
