5 Most Historic U.S. Sites To Visit And Experience American History
Spanning from coast to coast, the United States is filled with amazing historical places to visit and explore. America’s accumulated a lot of history in its over 200 year existence and has incredible geological features dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
So for all the history buffs out there looking for an ultimate blast from the past road trip, we’ve compiled a list with 5 of America’s most historic sites to check out! They help to tell both the human and geological story of the U.S. while providing a fun and unique trip to every explorer out there.
Home to one of the largest battles during the American Civil War, the town of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania played a significant role in U.S. history. Between July 1-3, 1863, the Union and Confederate Army waged a bloody battle that resulted in the most casualties of the entire war and was seen as a turning point for the North.
When the battle ended, the residents of Gettysburg were left to care for the wounded after the Confederate retreat and the dead were interred at what is known today as Gettysburg National Cemetery. One of the most well-known speeches was delivered at this cemetery when on November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered his infamous “Gettysburg Address.”
Today, visitors can explore the Gettysburg National Battlefield and Gettysburg National Military Park where these historic events took place. Many areas remain or have been restored to the way they looked during the battle over 150 years ago.
In addition to the remaining historical structures, the town has built many shops and museums dedicated to the battle that you can check out. The area also hosts fun activities including historical reenactments and ghost tours of select locations.
It’s one of the most famous geological wonders–not only in the United States–but in the world. Showing nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history, the canyon’s many layers of rock have been carved over time by the Colorado River and its tributaries.
Especially for Native American tribes, the area is considered sacred and they have inhabited the canyon and its caves for thousands of years. Evidence of their homes and settlements have been preserved and can still be visited by those adventurous enough to hike to them.
After Spanish explorer Captain García López de Cárdenas became the first European to view the canyon in 1540, numerous expeditions in the 19th century helped cement its legacy as an American landmark. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the area in 1903 and was vital in helping preserve the canyon as a National Monument.
Visitors of the Grand Canyon today have an incredible variety of activities to enjoy and there are many different ways to experience the area–whether you want to explore for a day or week. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to view the canyon with tons of trails to check out.
The strenuous, 24 mile Rim-to-Rim Trail is the parks best hike for those willing to take on the challenge. It’s a demanding multi-day hike that begins with a 6,000 foot descend to the bottom and 4,500 foot climb back to the top.
In addition to hiking, the canyon offers opportunities for camping, biking, rafting, and even mule trips.
3. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
The city of Boston, Massachusetts is filled with some of America’s most important and iconic landmarks. As one of the original 13 colonies, the state has history dating back to the time of the American revolution.
The idea of connecting the cities historic landmarks was conceived in 1951 by a local journalist named William Schofield. By 1953, the Freedom Trail was operational and attracting thousands of visitors annually looking to explore the cites iconic locations.
Special markers are places at the location of 16 historic landmarks which is connected by a 2.5-mile red line embedded in sidewalk. It covers over 250 years of Boston’s history to show the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
The trail can either be self-guided or you can take a tour provided by either National Park Service or another organization. A visitors center operated by the NPS on the first floor of Faneuil Hall offers free maps of the trail and other surrounding historic sites.
Some of the stops along the trail include the Boston Commons, Old Corner Bookstore, Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution. Many of these landmarks are free to explore (though donations are appreciated) but a few charge admission to view.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
It’s the National Park that started it all! Yellowstone, located in Wyoming and a small portion of Montana, became America’s first protected area when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872.
Inhabited by the native population for at least 11,000 years, it wasn’t until the late 1860s that the area was truly explored by Americans. Only a handful of trappers and mountain men visited Yellowstone in the mid-19th century and the stories of their encounters with pits of boiling mud, steaming rivers, and petrified trees were largely believed to be myths.
The Hayden Geological Survey of 1871 was the catalyst for Yellowstone becoming a protected area, creating a comprehensive report of the landscape that included large-format photographs and paintings as well as detailed studies of plants and wildlife. It helped convince the U.S. Congress to withdraw the Yellowstone region from public auction.
Because of the effort to preserve this region, visitors to the park today are able to enjoy the untouched splendor of this wild landscape with its many unique and awe-inspiring geological features. With 2 million tourists visiting the area every year, Yellowstone is one of the most popular of the National Parks.
Yellowstone’s geysers are one of the main attractions with Old Faithful being the most well-known. Other areas of interest include Yellowstone Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, and historic structures like the Old Faithful Inn and Fort Yellowstone.
5. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Carved out of the granite face of the Black Hills in South Dakota, this colossal sculpture is a dedication to the countries Founding Fathers and is referred to as the “shrine of democracy.” The faces of Mount Rushmore depict U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Starting in 1927, 400 workers blasted over 400,000 tons of rock off the mountainside with dynamite. Construction continued for the next 14 years until the project was halted in 1941 due to lack of funding. A rather amazing statistic for the day, there were no fatalities amongst the workers during the entire project.
Representing the first 150 years of American history, the presidents were chosen based on their contributions to, as Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum stated, “preserving the Republic and expanding its territory.” The sculpture was originally intended to carve the figures from head to waist however funding ran out before this could be completed.
Visitors of Mount Rushmore today can explore this powerful monument by hiking the Blackberry Trail. It’s a moderately strenuous one mile gravel trail that includes several small water crossings, a wooden bridge, and a picnic area. This trail also connects to the larger Centennial Trail that’s part of Black Hills National Forest.
For those not looking to tackle a hike, the area surrounding the visitors and information center has several activities to enjoy. The Avenue of Flags is a paved pathway that leads pedestrians to the monuments viewing platform.
Visitors can also check out Gutzon Borglum’s Sculptor’s Studio where the artist worked from 1939 to 1941. A 1/12 scale model of Mount Rushmore can be found in the studio.
Conclusion
Learning the history of America is best done by exploring its most significant and important places. With these five locations, you’ll be sure to not only learn about history but enjoy the experience as well!
