The United States may only be around 250 years old, but there’s plenty of history. One of the best ways to experience it is to visit historic towns.
Many of these cities are along the East Coast because they had a more than 100-year headstart over the West. However, you can find plenty of places all over the country where you can step into the past.
Today, we’re looking at several stunning historic towns you should include in your travel plans. Ready to get started?
Let’s go!
You can find historic towns all across the country. They receive this title because of its cultural, architectural, or historical significance. Some of the most popular towns have buildings, landmarks, and artifacts you can see and experience. Visiting these towns can be an opportunity to step back in time and reflect on simpler times.
Some of these locations have local significance. Additionally, many have played an essential role in shaping regional or national history. They remain as a way of preserving history and providing an opportunity to connect with the past.
Pro Tip: For more historical locations, check out What is the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park? and we’ll give you everything you need to make a road trip!
While there are many historic cities in the United States, some stand out more than the rest. One of the most historic cities in the country is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many think of it as the “Birthplace of America” because of its role in founding the nation. It was also an essential component of igniting the American Revolution.
Philadelphia is full of historic locations and attractions. It’s home to Independence Hall, where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. It’s also the spot where the United States Constitution was debated and adopted.
Beyond Independence Hall, you’ll also find the Liberty Bell. You’ll want to see this iconic spot with your own eyes. Nevertheless, don’t miss out on the historic district, also known as Old City. It features cobblestone streets and buildings from the 18th century. You can walk into numerous museums that provide immersive experiences into the earliest days of our nation.
Visiting Philadelphia can be a phenomenal educational experience. It brings the pages of history books to life. You’ll learn more than you could imagine by walking the streets and seeing the sights. It’s one city that everyone should experience at least once.
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While Philadelphia was established in the late 1600s, it’s far from the oldest city in the United States. That honor goes to the town of St. Augustine, Florida. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited by Europeans in the United States.
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a Spanish explorer, founded the city in 1565. Over time, it became a Spanish outpost. It would play a pivotal role in settlers colonizing North America.
If you’re looking for more information on St. Augustine, don’t worry. This isn’t the last time we’ll discuss this famous old city.
Are you looking to add some historic towns to your travel bucket list? Here are several excellent options that are worth considering. You’ll learn and have an epic adventure at the same time.
Williamsburg, Virginia, is one historic town you should add to your bucket list. When you enter, you take a trip to the 18th century. The town served as Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1780 and had a significant role in American history.
Organizations have gone through the painstaking and expensive process of restoring and reconstructing buildings. The goal is to make the area look and feel as much as it did in the past. Regardless, the buildings and structures aren’t the only things that make this city unique, the people are too.
You’ll find costumed interpreters playing the roles of individuals during the Revolutionary era. As you interact with these professionals, your perception of reality will blur. It’s common to see live demonstrations and crafts created by the workers. It’s an incredible experience that all ages can enjoy.
Another historic town to add to your bucket list is Charleston, South Carolina. This charming southern hotspot dates back to 1670. You can still find cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. In addition, numerous historic landmarks in the city are worth seeing.
The old homes, churches, and plantations aren’t the only historic items in this town. The area was a significant part of American history, especially the Civil War.
Many refer to this historical town as the “Holy City.” This nickname comes from the fact that you can spot numerous steeples throughout the city. Many of them are well-preserved structures. Visit Rainbow Row, the Battery, and City Market and see how many you can spot.
The steeples and other structures symbolize the city’s strength and resilience. Despite being the site of some of the most challenging times in American history, it is alive and well today.
Boston is another historic city worth exploring. It gives Philadelphia a run for its money for the title of “America’s Most Historic City.” It played a significant part in the American Revolution, earning the nickname the “Cradle of Liberty.”
In this historic town, you can explore the Freedom Trail. This is a red-brick path that meanders through the city. If you complete the entire trail, you’ll visit 16 of the most historically significant sites in the city’s history. You can see spots like Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and the Massachusetts State House.
Over the years, it’s earned a reputation for being the home of world-famous universities like Harvard and MIT. This has caused it to develop a reputation as an intellectual hub. On the other hand, it’s not only important for its historic and educational structures.
The city has various diverse neighborhoods, such as the North End, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay. They have their unique charm and modern style. The combination of history, education, and diversity makes this a town worth exploring.
The city of Annapolis was founded in 1649 as the capital of Maryland. This waterfront city has all the charm you’d expect from one of the oldest cities in the United States. If you’re passing through, plan to stay for a day or two and see as much as possible.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the Georgian-style architecture and cobblestone streets. No trip to Annapolis is complete without seeing the Maryland State House, which was the site where the ratification of the Treaty of Paris took place. This marked the official end of the Revolutionary War.
Its position on the Chesapeake Bay made it an ideal location for the United States Naval Academy. It has been in operation and trained an incredible number of officers since 1845. You’ll find several historic structures on the grounds of the Naval Academy. You can even take tours of Bancroft Hall and the Naval Academy Chapel.
As promised, let’s take a deeper look at the historic town of St. Augustine, Florida. We mentioned that it was formed by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. Walking through the city’s historic district feels like a foreign country. The tiny shops and establishments lining the tight road can be fun.
One of the most popular spots to visit in the city is the Castillo de San Marcos. This is a 17th-century fortress that protected the town and its residents. It housed soldiers and prisoners of the many wars and battles along the Atlantic coast.
When cruising through the area, you’ll find cobblestone streets and easily spot the Spanish influence in the architecture. A stroll down St. George Street is a must for anyone visiting. Be sure to see the Fountain of Youth. While it likely won’t keep you young, it’s a tourist stop many enjoy.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the site of a significant turning point during the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg took place in July 1863. When you combine the Union and Confederate totals, more than 50,000 lives were lost in only a few days.
Today, you can visit Gettysburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield. It’s an emotional experience to reflect on the sacrifices made on both sides during the battle. This town is full of history and has streets lined with historic shops, buildings, and eateries.
To get the entire experience, pay a visit to Gettysburg National Cemetery. This was the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. The grave markers go on for as far as you can see. It’s a sad reminder of the actual cost of the Battle of Gettysburg and any other conflicts.
Numerous museums and guided tours are available to help preserve the heritage and offer educational opportunities. Whether you love history or the country, this is one historic town you won’t want to miss.
Savannah, Georgia, is a charming historic town with elegant southern hospitality. Its history dates back to 1733. The massive oak-lined squares and Spanish moss give this town a unique look. Furthermore, the look and feel of this historic town are only some of the reasons to visit it.
The historic district in Savannah showcases 18th and 19th-century buildings. It’s an opportunity to see how a busy port city and trade center operated in the past. If you do visit, make sure you take time to stroll through Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square. They’re quaint parts of town that have played significant roles in its history.
Like many other historic towns on our list, Savannah played a major role during the Civil War. The city was under multiple blockades and nearly fell to ruin. Yet, General Sherman captured the city in December 1864 and offered it to President Lincoln as a Christmas present.
These historic towns can be a great combination of education and fun. There’s something for all ages to enjoy and learn when exploring them. Many spots we’ve shared were pivotal in forming the United States. And yet, our list only includes some of the stunning historic towns. There’s a good chance you’ve got a favorite or two that’s not on our list.
So, which historic towns did we miss? We’d love to hear which ones you’d encourage others to visit.
