US Historical Sites: Which One To Visit

Historians know that for someone to fully understand history, he/she must walk the ground the history was made. Touring historical sites helps you feel the storied existence of the site; the presence of what made the site what it is today. In the USA, there are hundreds of historical sites, monuments, and important landmarks that are distributed all over the vast nation. Here are some of such sites that every historian should aspire to visit.

1. Mesa Verde National Park

This breathtaking historical site is defined by over 4,000 archaeological treasures, some of which date back to 600 AD. It is the original dwelling place of the Pueblos, a Native American people who now dwell in New Mexico and Arizona after migrating in the 1300s. There are many ancient houses here, including the 150-roomed Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and others. There is also a large collection of artifacts that will give you an idea of how American Natives lived.

2. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

This is the battlefield for the American Civil War. The “greatest battle ever fought in the US history” claimed the lives of over 50,000 American soldiers. Thousands were wounded and others captured, never to be seen again. In his words, Abraham Lincoln termed this battle as the most traumatic period in the history of the greatest nation in the world. From here, you can visit the national cemetery at sundown for better comprehension of the magnitude of this battle.

3. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.

The 190-foot long, 120-foot wide, 99-foot tall Lincoln Memorial was built 100 years ago. It was made with Colorado-Yule marble, with its model inspired by the Parthenon in Greece. The memorial is characterized by a seated Lincoln sculpture and carved inscriptions of some of President Lincoln’s famous quotes. You will learn a lot on the significance of Lincoln’s presidency when touring this memorial. If you are familiar with the “I Have a Dream” speech, you will be happy to know that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered this speech at the footsteps of this memorial.

4. Concord, Massachusetts

The battle for America’s freedom from the Kingdom of Great Britain started here. You will learn a lot about the fight for independence in the US was structured. Concord is also home to Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, among other legendary American writers. You will also learn a lot about how this region became the greatest producer of the perfect grape in the world. There are also tons of Concord events that will excite your enthusiasm for history.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has been colonized by the French and Spanish rulers. For anyone to understand the modern-day American influences, they must retrace the history of this historical hub; the darkest history of the United States. Make sure that you take a ghost tour or visit a historical plantation to discover the many hidden historical gems in this city.

6. Atlanta, Georgia

Walk in the steps of the greatest orator in the history of American politics, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is in this city where the history of Civil Rights Movement was written. While here, be sure to visit The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site which is built near his birth home. You will also see the Ebeneezer Baptist Church, the church where the legendary human rights activist was preaching. Lastly, visit Martin’s graveyard to celebrate the life and legacy of the courageous leader.

7. The Statue of Liberty

This stature is located at the New York Harbor, New York City. It was given by the French as a gift to America back in 1886. The iconic American symbol is 305 feet tall, which signifies the utter power that the USA is.

8. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The relevance of the Independence Hall to America’s independence struggle is of enormous magnitude. This is the hall where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. If not for anything else, every history and governance history should visit this historical site to walk in the steps of America’s founding fathers.

Conclusion

Tourists, both local and international, could spend months visiting the many historic landmarks in the USA, absorbing the lessons of some of the greatest history-makers in the world. The historical charm of the now greatest democracy in the world will help you understand the depth of character that makes the USA the country it is today.