The United States is home to a rich and diverse history, and there are countless historical sites scattered across the country that are worth visiting. From the birthplace of democracy in Philadelphia to the site of one of the most tragic attacks on American soil in Pearl Harbor, these historical sites offer a glimpse into the past and help to tell the story of the nation. In this article, we will explore some of the best historical sites in the United States that you should consider visiting.
1. Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed, making it one of the most important historical sites in the country. The building itself, dating back to 1753, is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture and has been carefully preserved over the years. Visitors can take a tour of the building and see the Assembly Room, where both documents were signed, as well as other rooms that have been furnished to look as they would have in the 18th century.
The first newspaper that published America's Declaration of Independence cobbled together on July 4, 1776, was the Pennsylvania Evening Post, who printed it on July 6.
How fast did papers in England pick it up?
The London Chronicle published it 43 days later! pic.twitter.com/EKzO6JgZr6
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 4, 2022
2. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
This grand memorial, built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is a sight to behold. The marble structure sits at the end of the National Mall and features a statue of Lincoln seated inside. Visitors can climb the steps to the memorial and take in the view of the surrounding city, as well as read the inscriptions on the walls, which include Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address.
3. The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
This former Spanish mission is best known as the site of a famous battle for Texan independence in 1836. The battle, which lasted 13 days, saw a small group of Texan soldiers and settlers fend off a much larger Mexican force. Today, visitors can tour the Alamo grounds and see the Long Barrack Museum, which houses artifacts from the battle, as well as the church and the barracks where the Texan soldiers were stationed.
4. The Statue of Liberty in New York City
This iconic symbol of freedom and democracy was a gift to the United States from France in 1886. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close, and even go inside the statue to see the exhibits in the museum. The statue’s crown can be climbed and offers a panoramic view of New York City and the harbor. The island is also home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which tells the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through the island on their way to the United States.
5. The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
This moving memorial honors the sailors and Marines who were killed when the Japanese attacked the naval base on December 7, 1941. Visitors can take a boat tour to the memorial, which sits above the remains of the USS Arizona, and see the names of the fallen inscribed on the walls. The museum on the grounds also tells the story of the attack and its aftermath.
6. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
This iconic bridge is not only a landmark of American engineering and design, but also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge for a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, as well as take a tour of the bridge’s south anchorage.
7. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota
This massive sculpture features the carved faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The memorial is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was completed in 1941. Visitors can take a bus tour to the top of the mountain to see the sculptures up close and learn more about the history of the monument.
8. The Great Wall of Los Angeles
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is a unique historical site located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. This concrete mural runs along the Tujunga Wash, and depicts many different historical events from the history of Los Angeles. The mural was created by a local artist and historian in 1976 as a way to preserve and celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage. The Great Wall of Los Angeles is a one-of-a-kind site that offers visitors a unique perspective on the history of Los Angeles.
9. The National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is an important historical site that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, from the end of the civil war to the modern civil rights movement. It is an important site for understanding the history of Civil Rights Movement, and a tribute to the leader of the movement, Martin Luther King Jr.
10. The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts
The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, is a 2.5-mile-long trail that passes by 16 historical sites associated with the American Revolution. The trail is marked by a red line that runs through the city, and visitors can follow the trail to see sites such as the Old North Church, the site of the Boston Tea Party, and the USS Constitution Museum. The Freedom Trail is a great way to learn more about the events that led up to the American Revolution, and to see some of the most important historical sites in Boston. It is an ideal way to experience and understand the rich history of Boston and the American Revolution.
Featured Image: Photo by zelle duda on Unsplash