As the region that saw the first European settlers, the Northeast US holds many of the most fascinating historical sites in America. You’ll find plenty of historical sites in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states below.
Colonial era, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Victorian and Gilded Age: much of what shaped our country happened on the Eastern Seaboard. Choose one or more of the following 50 escapes to be immersed in American History.
Click on each town to find the best attractions, restaurants and inns for educational and enlightening getaways, Virginia to Maine.
(Want to turn up the heat with your honey? Check out our 50 Incredibly Romantic Getaways in the USA for ideas).
Historical Sites in New England
Historical Sites In Connecticut
New London CT
New London, a shipbuilding port during the American Revolution, was burned down by the Brits in 1781. It’s also home to the oldest continuously operating Customs House in the nation, where The Amistad was towed to after being found off the coast of Long Island, NY.
Mystic CT
You’ll find the country’s last remaining Whaling Ship, the Charles Morgan, at Mystic Seaport.
Hartford CT
Discover why Connecticut is considered The Constitution State. The Fundamental Orders, adopted by the Connecticut Council on January 15, 1639 are considered by some to be the basis of the US Constitution. And Hartford is home to the first Art Museum in America – the Wadsworth Antheneum, opened in 1844.
Historic Sites In Massachusetts
Provincetown MA
The Pilgrim Monument stands in commemoration of the Mayflower passengers who made the voyage from England to this Land’s End community. While they didn’t settle here, some of the “Strangers and Saints” set foot first on land here to search for a water source. Finding none, they sailed on to the more protected Plymouth.
Plymouth MA
Plymouth Rock is just the beginning. 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s landing, and you can learn all about the New World’s first English Settlement at Plimoth-Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) – one of the best living history museums in the country.
Boston MA
One if by land, two if by sea…..Paul Revere, The Old State House celebrated its 300th year anniversary in 2013. Walk the Freedom Trail to discover our country’s revolutionary stirrings.
Lexington – Concord MA
The “Shot Heard Around the World” in Concord, and the accidental battle that preceded it by a few hours in Lexington.
Lowell MA
Learn about “Mill Girls,” immigrant workers, and the forces of the Industrial Revolution in America. A monument to American Industry and Ingenuity, Lowell National Historical Park, in Lowell MA, 30 miles from Boston, is unlike any other U.S. National Park in that it takes up sections of a still thriving (or, as the case may be, reviving) city.
Deerfield MA
Historic Deerfield – a tiny prep-school burg – fleshes out stories of Colonial New England life on the fringes of civilization in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Springfield MA
The Springfield Armory (National Historic Site) commissioned by President George Washington is a National Historic Site open for tours. Springfield is also hometown to Dr. Seuss and where the game of Basketball was invented.
Fall River MA
Battleship Cove comprises the largest collection of WWII warships in the world. It’s also where Lizzy Borden was arrested for, but never convicted of, whacking her parents with an ax.
Salem MA
Known primarily for the Witch Trials, Salem is also home to the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and best all-encompassing museums in the country.
Historic Sites In New Hampshire
Exeter NH
One of the many misconceptions about the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution is that they emerged from the minds of our Founding Fathers fully-fledged. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Both were works in progress, with many reworked drafts. The American Independence Museum illuminates this better than any other historical museum.
Portsmouth NH
The Strawbery Banke Living History Museum showcases Coastal New Hampshire history. With costumed docents, it’s one of the best of its kind in the country.
Concord NH
As Primary Central, Concord crawls with every Presidential hopeful every four years. Take a tour of the New Hampshire State House to learn about the unique political process in this New England town.
Historical Sites In Rhode Island
Newport RI
The Gilded Age is on full display during tours of the Newport Mansions aks “Summer Cottages” available to the public. Newport is also home to the Touro Synagogue, the country’s oldest, established in 1763.
Providence RI
Roger Williams, founder of the Rhode Island colony, defected from the Puritans, sanctioning freedom of conscience and religion. See the original State Charter in the Capitol building.
Bristol RI
This small bucolic peninsula town has some dark Slave Trade history, which you can learn on a tour of the Linden Place Mansion.
Historic Sites In New Jersey
Morris County NJ
George Washington was headquartered here. And it’s where Alexander Hamilton fell in love: and you can take a tour of the Hamilton-Schulyer House aka Campfield House to be in the rooms where it happened. Plus you can explore the laboratory where Thomas Edison invented modern America at the national historical park.
Princeton NJ
Albert Einstein escaped Germany with a $5000 Nazi bounty on his head. He lived in Princeton from 1933 until his death in 1955. Take the Princeton Five Star Shameless Name Dropping Tour for a fun and enlightening overview of Einstein, the University, and Princeton’s history.
Historic Sites In New York
Albany NY
Tour the New York State Capitol Building wtih its Million Dollar Staircase, the Modernist Empire State Plaza, and Alexander Hamilton’s in-law’s place. All are huge draws to New York State’s Capital City.
Chautauqua Institution NY
Founded by the father in law of Thomas Edison in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution continues to be a summer camp for the intellectually curious.
Seneca Falls NY
In the mid-1800’s, Seneca Falls NY was drawing Abolitionists, Suffragists, proponents of Temperance, and other agitators. This whirlwind of evangelical fervor was so hot, this corner of Northwestern NY was known as “The burned over District.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman all lived in the area. And they spurred on movements that gained national attention – all brought to light in the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.
Hyde Park NY
Home to Franklin D. and Eleanore Roosevelt and Culinary Institute of America. See the bed FDR was born in and the wheelchair that the public never saw at his home. And don’t miss the terrific FDR Library and Museum, built on his property.
West Point NY
West Point Military Academy was established by Thomas Jefferson in 1802 at West Point. And yes, you can take a sanctioned bus tour. And even stay in a luxury hotel on campus.
Upstate NY
Explore significant stops on the Underground Railroad. Read our 8 Places in Upstate New York Where You Can Honor Black History.
Historical Sites in the Mid Atlantic Region USA
Historical Sites In Delaware
Wilmington DE
It’s all about the DuPonts here. Improving on gunpowder in the late 1700’s, this French expat family established the chemical company that still bears their name. Its dynasty of wealth still supports hospitals and cultural programs. Although Neumours, Winterthur and even Longwood Gardens all have DuPont history, the family’s American origin story begins at the Hagley Museum and Library.
Dover DE
The “First State” to ratify the US Constitution, home of the only Founding Father to abstain from signing the Declaration of Independence, and site of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware’s Capital City has a cornucopia of historic attractions. Take a walking tour of Dover’s Historic Green at First Heritage State Park to get your bearings.
Historic Sites In Maryland
St. Mary’s County MD
Deeply historic, St. Mary’s County drew early European settlers, most notably, a group of Catholics escaping persecution and execution in Protestant England. As Catholics were being slaughtered in England, 140 faithful arrived here in 1634. Finally free to worship as they chose, they built the first Catholic Church and settlement in Colonial America. Historic St. Mary’ City grew for sixty years, then vanished into the cornfields and was lost for 200 years. It is now one of the most exciting archeological digs in the US.
Dorchester County MD
Birthplace of Harriet Tubman and site of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center.
Washington County MD
Antietam Battlefield. Bloodiest one day battle of the Civil War.
Annapolis MD
This “oldest in the nation” State House is where George Washington tendered his resignation as Commander In Chief of the US Army. Also, tour the US Naval Academy!
St. Michaels MD
The excellent Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum tells the story of this bountiful body of water through personal accounts, aritfacts, and dynamic exhibitions.
Baltimore MD
Oh Say Can You See? Yes, you can see where our National Anthem was written. The flag that served as muse to Francis Scott Key flew from Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Historical Attractions In Pennsylvania
Harrisburg PA
Pennsylvania arguably has the most spectacular Capitol Building in the USA, and should be your first stop in the city. However, don’t miss the Harrisburg-set National Civil War Museum before leaving.
Milford PA
Find the bloody flag that cradled Abe Lincoln’s head after he was shot in the unlikely Pike County Historical Society. Milford PA was also home of Gifford Pinchot – “Father of the National Forest Service,” and you can take a lively and entertaining tour of his home, Grey Towers, for more information about the man behind the American Conservation movement.
Bradford PA
The “PA Wilds” encompassed the country’s first “Billion Dollar Oil Field.” The story is well told at the Penn-Brad Oil Museum, still redolent of the Black Gold that made the first oilmen well off.
Johnstown PA
Site of the most deadly flood in American history. (And fourth deadliest natural disaster of all time). Two museums interpret the event: the Johnstown Flood National Memorial at the site. And another in town.
Altoona PA
For Railroad History fans and trainspotters – site of the 19th century engineering marvel, Horseshoe Curve.
Carlisle PA
Where the controversial Indian Industrial School was located, and the current must-see Army Heritage Center.
Bucks County PA
Where George Washington crossed the Delaware on that fateful Christmas Day 1776. See Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Gettysburg PA
Battlefield, Town, Eisenhower’s only home. So much history at Gettysburg National Military Park and nearby.
Philadelphia PA
Philly is “philled” with historic attractions. National Constitution Center. Liberty Bell. Grave of Benjamin Franklin. Museum of the American Revolution. With over eighteen historic sites, Philly is the best city for learning about our country’s origins.
Historic Sites In Virginia
Orange County VA
What world events influenced the Architect of the U.S. Constitution, James Madison? This Founding Father lived in Orange VA, and his home is a revelation.
Yorktown VA
The fledgling US Army effectively won the Revolutionary War when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. The Yorktown’s Victory Center is among America’s best Living History Museums.
Southwestern VA
Birthplace of Country Music with the “Bristol Sessions.” Clog with other dancers at the Carter Family Fold.
Charlottesville VA
Don’t miss Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
Winchester VA
During the Civil War, town allegiance to Union and Confederate sides changed a whopping 72 times. The Old Courthouse served as a Civil War prison where you can see anti-Jefferson Davis graffiti.
Richmond VA
Patrick Henry bellowed the immortal “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Edgar Alan Poe also lived here.
Newport News VA
Another best of its kind in the USA, the Mariners Museum is a can’t miss attraction. The $30 Million Monitor Center highlights Civil War Ironclad warships.
Hampton VA
First slaves brought to US here in 1619. Hampton is also home to one of country’s first African American colleges. Langly AFB was site of NASA Mercury Project.
Arlington VA
Arlington VA – right across the Potomac River from Washington DC is home to the famed Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon and yes, a DEA Museum showcasing the history of Drug Enforcement in the USA.
Williamsburg VA
The entire town lives and breathes the colonial era, joining with Jamestown and Yorktown to form the “Historic Triangle.”
Washington DC
DC IS American History – the White House, National Monuments and all. We guide you to some of the oft overlooked museums in town for a deeper dive in this post.
This is a great round-up of locations in the USA! Visiting the home of the US Naval Academy would be neat.