The US has been shaped over and over again by a turbulent and remarkably diverse past. What’s more, the nation’s famed history is laid out in spectacular glory at every turn you take, nowhere more so than in our historical cities. True, Europe boasts a centuries-long and recognized past, but American history, which extends well beyond the New World’s discovery with its many ancient Native American civilizations, is compelling too.
In the past 400 years, America has woven a dynamic, complex, and controversial story. Our country is filled with cities of importance in terms of history and culture. Admire the grandeur of the centuries-old colonial architecture. Marvel at monuments, visit inspirational museum collections and study America’s evolution through its streets, homes, and landmarks.
For those who relish discovering a new place through its history, we’ve compiled a list of the US’s top 11 most historical cities. These destinations are brimming with heritage, culture, bizarre stories, and plenty of old-world appeals, each hiding a wealth of fascinating historical attractions waiting to be explored.
6 thoughts on “Best Historical Cities to Visit in the US”
I would like to meet Ricarda and join her on her adventures. I too thought of doing the same thing. It would be nice to find someone worth while to share it with. I am a retired federal worker with a few college degrees . Sociology, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. I am also a army veteran. I am well rounded and have many interests. Tony Bellomo
I have been to 9 of the 11, but I have trouble picking a favorite. The two I have missed are Gettysburg and St. Augustine. However, I have been to Valley Forge of the Revolutionary War. I have been to a Civil War battlefield in Virginia. I have been to Plymouth, Charleston, Santa Fe, Williamsburg, and Philadelphia once each; Boston, New Orleans, and San Antonio twice each, and Washington, DC five times. I guess that would make it my favorite.
I would not argue the historic importance of any of these cities, nor their claim for a place on any such “short list.” I suppose every list has to stop somewhere. That said, how can a gallery of Best Historical Cities….in the U.S. not include New York, our 1st National Capitol & the beginning and ongoing center of so much, or St. Louis, the jumping off point for the Westward Expansion, Savannah, Georgia, the single Georgia city Gen. W.T. Sherman didn’t burn, and the beneficiary of one of the more successful historic preservation efforts in the USA?
Maybe one limits the group in order to eliminate the Run-On Sentence? guilty.
Fredericksburg, Virginia should be on the list. It has a rich colonial history. George Washington grew up in the area, his mother’s home is open to the public, and Kenmore, the home of Washington’s sister and her husband, Fielding Lewis is also open. Unlike Willamsburg, the colonial features are original and restored. James Monroe’s law office is here also. Other colonial features are High Mercedes Apothecary and the Rising Sun Tavern as well as Masonic Lodge 4 of which Washington was a member. Of course there is a rich civil war history as well. Not only is there the Fredericksburg battlefields but 3 other major battlefields in the area: Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Courthouse. A lot to see and do in the area. I’ve only scratched the surface.
The first actual Thanksgiving was at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia about 2 years before the Pilgrams sailed to America.
Please consider adding Savannah, GA to your list. I had the pleasure of visiting last July and loved it (in spite of the summer heat).