A Guide to America’s Most Historic Cities
History buffs love Europe because of the sheer duration of Western culture. Beginning some 2,500 years ago, it has an arc that stretches into the modern era, with ideas from Greek, Roman and even Persian philosophy persisting to the present day.
But America just isn’t the same. Its European culture is far more recent, which means that it doesn’t have the same number of historic cities. (There’s no Byzantium or Pisa on the West Coast).
Even so, there are some hidden gems for history buffs. After all, some settlements on the East Coast date back over four hundred years.
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg in Pennsylvania is one of the U.S. cities offering the most historical charm. It was the site of the pivotal Civil War battle and where President Lincoln gave his most famous address to the nation.
If you go to Gettysburg, visit the National Military Park which remembers the lives of the fallen soldiers at the site. It’s also worth a visit to the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, a site that actively discourages future wars on the mainland U.S.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans in Louisiana is another location rife with history. The city is famous for its French heritage and as one of the birthplaces of jazz.
The settlement of New Orleans was relatively recent compared to some cities we’ll mention later in this post. But it manages to pack a lot into its history, with much of it visible from the way the city looks.
The French Quarter is perhaps the most interesting part of town. It offers vibrant nightlife opportunities and plenty of historical buildings. There’s also the St. Louis Cathedral, which is among the most ancient in the country, as well as the Garden District where you can find plenty of attractive streets and wealthy residents.
Charleston, SC
Charleston in South Carolina is another city that has significance because of its relationship to the Civil War. The city played an essential role as a headquarters during the conflict, with the scars of that event still visible on the streets today.
Many tourists visit the historic district with its historical and antebellum homes. Others stay at
The Pinch in Charleston to visit Battery Park and the Fort Sumter National Monument, the location of the first shots fired in the Civil War.
Boston, MA
For those who love the excitement of big cities, Boston is another location with plenty of history. It was the site of the American Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party, the movement that ousted the British and began the process of independence in the eighteenth century.
Boston’s main historical attraction is its freedom trail. It runs through various historical sites along a 2.5-mile path, providing plenty of information about the history of the place. There’s also the home of Paul Revere, a famous industrialist of the eighteenth century who spearheaded part of the American Revolutionary Wars. He played a big role in his area in Massachusetts in pushing out the King’s forces.
