Top 7 Historical Sites You Should Visit in the USA

Are a history lover? I am and so is my oldest son. This is a short list of some of the most awesome historical (and our top 7) places we would love to visit in the United States.

Although a young nation, the United States has a rich history and places that shaped her into the strong country that she is today.  Many of her cities hold historical significance that are told in history books that come alive when you visit them.  Here are seven historical places that you will want to have on your bucket list for historical sightseeing.  

1.) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle and turning point for the North in the Civil War.  Over 50,000 soldiers died in this battle alone, inspiring President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address.  Come experience the many monuments and humbling battlefield, along with exciting reenactments, helping us better appreciate what these men fought for.  

2.) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Liberty Hall)

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is rich in the American Revolution history and holds a huge role in the founding of the United States.  Liberty Hall, located here, is where the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place.  The famous Liberty bell can be seen here as well, where it was said to have been rung moments after the 2nd Continental Congress voted for Independence on July 4th, 1776.  

3.) Boston Massachusetts

Many important events took place in the city of Boston, during the American Revolution. From the Boston Massacre, to Paul Revere’s famous ride, where a spark of American heroism and pride was born.  There are many sites that you won’t want to miss out on, when you’re visiting Boston.   

Some of these sites include the Old North Church, where Paul Revere was signaled whether the British were coming by land or sea.  The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museumtells the story of the patriots rebelling against Britain and their heavy tax burdens. The Bunker Hill Monument is dedicated to the first battle of New Englanders against the “RedCoats” on the hilly landscape by the Charles RIver.  The Boston Massacre Site is where 5 colonists were killed by British regulars.

4.) Fort Sumter Charleston, South Carolina

The first shots of the American Civil War took place at Fort Sumter, while excited civilians looked on.  Built after the War of 1812, the Confederates bombarded the Union Fort with heavy artillery fire and was later surrendered to the South.  A campaign of the North to recapture this fort took place, but was unsuccessful.   

5.) Plymouth, Mass.

Everyone knows the story of the pilgrims and Plymouth Rock, yet seeing recreations of the village and reenactments truly bring it to life.  Come see the landing site for William Braford and the Mayflower that brought many families seeking religious freedoms and a better way of life. You will learn about the struggles and hardships that these early settlers faced while coming to the “New World.”  

6.) The Alamo San Antonio, Texas

The Battle of the Alamo was a turning point and inspiration in Texan independence from Mexico.  The Fort was courageously defended, by around 180 to 260 Texan men, fighting against an army of 1,500, led by General Santa Anna. Famous men such as James Bowie, William Travis, and Davy Crockett fought inside this small Alamo Mission for 13 days, until the Mexican army proved too much for them.  Come and experience the history of the Alamo, a catholic mission set on converting Native Americans to Christianity, and later being used as a stronghold of San Antonio.   

7.) Pearl Harbor  (Oahu, Hawaii)

December 7th, 1941, “a day which will live in infamy.” were words spoken by Theodore Roosevelt after Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor Naval base with 353 Imperial aircrafts.  It was the worst naval disaster in U.S history.  Pearl Harbor was left devastated with all 8 battleships being damaged along with 188 aircraft being destroyed.  As many as 2,403 men were killed, 1,178 wounded, leading America into WWII, and launching the Pacific Campaign on Japan.  

Today there are several museums and monuments that tell the story of honor, sacrifice and the seven hours of hell these men and women went through.   

• The USS Arizona, a monument built over the sunken remains of the battleship USS Arizona, draws in as many as 1.8 million visitors each year, where you can experience the battle setting of Pearl Harbor.
• The Battleship Missouri Memorial, “America’s last battleship” a mountrous ship that resides in the bay of Pearl Harbor, can be toured as well.
• The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum can’t be missed if you enjoy seeing many WWII era planes and hangers.

So, if by chance you are heading out on a nadventure to one of these areas, make sure to stop and visit these spectaular places.

Send pictures, I’d love to see them!

In His Grace,

Callie