Tom Foster
Here are a few important historical sites in every state that might make your summer a little more interesting. A tour through history usually makes for a good trip.
Alabama-Ivy Green
During the Helen Keller Festival in June, you can visit and see where this amazing woman grew up. Located in Tuscumbia, it’s a spot many people find inspiring.
Alaska-Baranof Castle
There’s always a good reason to visit a castle since they’re typically amazing and kind of mysterious. One thing that many people probably don’t know is that it was handed over to the USA by Russia in 1867.
Arizona-Lowell Observatory
In terms of historical sites, this observatory is where the debated planet known as Pluto was first discovered. You can dispute it all day, but Pluto’s discovery was kind of impressive.
Arkansas-Central High School
If a person ever had a chance to visit a truly historical site, Little Rock Central High School would be a good choice. This was where nine students defied segregation and entered a high school to change race relations.
California-Alcatraz Island
To think that this historical site, which was at one time a prison for the worst inmates in the country, is now a tourist attraction, is amazing. It’s a look back into history for certain, but one that many people don’t fully understand.
Colorado-Mesa Verde National Park
The cliff dwellings found in canyon walls are impressive to look upon. Cliff Palace, as this place is called, allows tours of 150 of the rooms, which were built roughly 700 years ago.
Connecticut: The Charles W. Morgan
The famous whaling ship that first set out in 1841 isn’t bound for colder waters anytime soon, but it is still afloat. This allows for the tours that are conducted throughout the vessel.
Delaware-Old Swedes Church
It’s usually a debate where the first church went up in this country. But the Old Swedes Church has been around for centuries now.
Florida-Venetian Pool
A lot of people don’t think much about a pool these days. But as one of the more underrated historical sites, this pool is impressive since it’s one of the oldest in the country.
Georgia-Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
In terms of being historical, there’s no doubt that finding out where MLK Jr. grew up is important. But there are a few other sites that are just as important when it comes to his life.
Hawaii-Iolani Palace
How many people realize that Hawaii had a monarchy at one time? This palace is a testament to that, and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.
Idaho-Cataldo Mission
Built in the mid-1800s, this place took a lot of style tips from medieval Europe. It’s open to public tours, so take a look.
Illinois-Abraham Lincoln Home
One thing to note if you ever get famous, someone will see your childhood home as a hot spot. This one, attributed to President Lincoln, is bound to attract a few history nuts.
Indiana-Soldiers and Sailors Monument
It’s not entirely respectful to use historic sites as workout spots, but the 331 steps to this monument will raise your heartbeat. Honoring the soldiers who fought in several wars, this magnificent piece is something that draws a lot of people in, at least for a few minutes.
Iowa-Amana Colonies
This is a great place to go for Oktoberfest, as the original seven villages were settled by German Pietists. This is a nice way to step back in history.
Kansas-Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Remember, the postal service had to start somewhere. In those days the mail took forever, but it was still important to keep people connected.
Kentucky-Churchill Downs
Can you say ‘Kentucky Derby’? This is one of the main things that this state is known for.
Louisiana-Cabildo
If you want to know more about this state’s history, this is where you come. Considering that it was once the site of the Louisiana Supreme Court, there’s plenty to learn.
Maine-Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Not only did Henry Wadsworth Longfellow live here, but it was used as a headquarters by General George Washington. That should make it quite historic in the eyes of many people.
Maryland-Fort McHenry
This is where the Star Spangled Banner was written. That’s kind of important since it’s represented the USA for a long time now.
Massachusetts-Plymouth Rock
It’s a tiny park, that much is true. But it’s also one of the most historic sites in the country since this is where the pilgrims set foot into a new world and a new life.
Michigan-Fort Mackinac
Constructed during the Revolutionary War, it was also the spot of the first land battle in 1812. It’s a fun weekend for those who are interested.
Minnesota-Mill City Museum
This place was, once upon a time, a flour mill. It was what helped Minneapolis become the milling capital of the world for decades.
Mississippi-Old Mississippi State Capitol
There are 11 different types of marble in this place, not to mention a large copper dome. But this is also where Mississippi seceded from the Union in 1861.
Missouri-Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Say what you want about Bud Light these days, but the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is still a historical site. Beer lovers are encouraged to see how one of the most historic breweries in the country has survived this long.
Montana-Butte Historic District
Mining towns in the West were once plentiful, and Butte was one of the most famous. It also produced the most cooper in the US back in the late 1800s.
Nebraska-Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
A lot of people might not know much about the Morton family at this point. But J. Sterling Morton was an important person in history.
Nevada-Hoover Dam
Las Vegas draws in the gamblers, but Hoover Dam is for those who want to know the history of the state. The concrete contained in this dam is reportedly enough to create a highway across the entire country.
New Hampshire-Canterbury Shaker Village
Another town where immigrants took root and built something great, it’s been preserved for the past 200 years. Taking a step back in history is a fun trip for many people.
New Jersey-Sandy Hook Lighthouse
The ships back in the day needed something since GPS tracking and other methods hadn’t been invented yet. But the great thing is that this is still a working lighthouse.
New Mexico-Palace of the Governors
This place was built for Spain’s royal governor, and it kind of speaks to the high class that was in power at that time. It’s part of history though, that much can’t be denied.
New York-Ellis Island
The history of this place is interesting, to say the least. Millions of immigrants came through Ellis Island, which is hard to fathom.
North Carolina-Wright Brothers National Memorial
Keep in mind that the Wright brothers flew a handcrafted airplane, not the metal beasts that plow the skies today. Not only that, they built it in their bicycle shop.
North Dakota-Fort Union Trading Post
This place helped to promote trade for everything from guns and ammo to much-needed furs. It’s one of the longest-lasting trading posts in the country.
Ohio-Cincinnati Zoo
Home to the oldest continuously operating zoo building, this place is also impressive for its history and size. It’s one of the best places to go in the state.
Oklahoma-Honey Springs Battlefield
One of the more noted battlefields of the Civil War, this site is one of those that carries a lot of memories that some people can feel. The First Kansas Colored, an African-American regiment of the Union, helped to win this battle in a big way.
Oregon-Fort Rock Cave
At one point this historic site was famous since it produced footwear that was believed to be around 11,000 years old. That’s pretty definitive proof of Native American life in the West.
Pennsylvania-Liberty Bell
The bell is an iconic sight in this state, crack and all. After that, a trip to Independence Hall should be a nice trip through history as one learns that this is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
Rhode Island-Slater Mill
Many consider this the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It was the first cotton-spinning factory that used water power though, which is something to take note of.
South Carolina-Fort Sumter
The bullets and shrapnel from the fight that was started by the shots that came from this island can still be seen. Sometimes big happenings have very simple beginnings.
South Dakota-Mount Rushmore
It depends on your stance as to whether this was necessary or not. But Mount Rushmore has stood as one of the more impressive historical sites for a long time and draws in plenty of visitors per year.
Tennessee-Graceland
Elvis fans would do a lot to reach this historic site, and many do all the time. Given his place in rock and roll history, it’s not too surprising.
Texas-The Alamo
The war to gain its independence still beats strong in the hearts of many Texans. The Battle of the Alamo is comprised of many tales, and many people don’t mind listening to all of them. Historical sites such as this are a great way to remember what it took to build a nation.
Utah-Temple Square
You don’t have to be a religious individual to be impressed by this place and what it has to offer. Do be polite as you tour the area since it’s a site that has existed for quite some time.
Vermont-Calvin Coolidge Homestead
One has to imagine that a lot of people might not have thought their home would be seen as a historical site. But those who want to get a glimpse of Calvin Coolidge’s home can do so if they so choose.
Virginia-Arlington National Cemetery
Virginia is rife with historical sites, but a kind and warm thank you to the many soldiers laid in Arlington is a small pittance when visiting this state. There’s a lot of respect to be had for this place.
Washington-Chinook Point
Just think of what it was like to see the Pacific back in the days of Lewis and Clark. The trail still exists and is maintained so that history buffs can walk it for themselves.
West Virginia-The Greenbrier
It’s been a hotel, a hospital, and a getaway for US presidents, not to mention one of the more notable historic sites. Not only that, it has a fallout shelter beneath it that was used during the Cold War.
Wisconsin-Little White Schoolhouse
This is where the GOP was born, as history tells. It’s now a museum, but it has plenty of history to offer to those who are interested.
Wyoming-Independence Rock
This is one of the major markers along the Oregon Trail. The names engraved in it are echoes of history and were sometimes the final accounting of those who fell along the way. As historical sites go it’s iconic.
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