If you are a history buff, then this is for you. We bring you America’s past through its most iconic landmarks. Each state offers a site that captures the essence of its history, culture, and spirit. These landmarks are more than just tourist attractions; they are the touchstones of the country’s national heritage. So, join us on this journey across the United States, where every landmark tells a story worth exploring.
Alabama: The Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma
Located in Selma, this bridge symbolizes the Civil Rights Movement. Known for the events of “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965, when protesters were brutally attacked by law enforcement, this bridge played an important role in the fight for voting rights. What many might not know is that the subsequent Selma to Montgomery marches led directly to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Alaska: Totem Bight State Historical Park, Ketchikan
This park, located on the shores of the Tongass Narrows, is home to an impressive totem pole collection and a replica of a traditional Tlingit clan house. Each pole tells a story steeped in tradition and history. One fascinating fact is that the totem poles here were part of a New Deal-era project to revive Native art and culture during the 1930s. Each pole tells a unique story, often involving clan history, legends, or notable events.
Arizona: Montezuma Castle National Monument
Built by the Sinagua people around 1100 to 1425 AD, this five-story structure is situated high on a limestone cliff, showcasing the ingenuity of its builders. Despite its name, Montezuma Castle was not associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma; early European settlers mistakenly attributed it to him. The monument provides a unique viewpoint into the life and architecture of the Sinagua culture, with its well-preserved rooms and artifacts.
Arkansas: Little Rock Central High School Historic Site
Little Rock Central High School is a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1957 desegregation crisis, when nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, faced violent opposition in their effort to attend the previously all-white school. Many don’t realize that this event was a crucial test of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
California: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
It is best known as the site of the infamous federal penitentiary that housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and “Birdman” Robert Stroud. Beyond its prison history, Alcatraz has layers of intriguing stories, including its role as a military fortification and the site of a Native American occupation from 1969 to 1971. Today, visitors can explore the cellblocks, visit the remnants of the Native occupation, and enjoy scenes of the San Francisco horizon and Golden Gate Bridge.
Colorado: Mesa Verde National Park
This park is home to some of the most well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in North America. The most famous is Cliff Palace, a stunning structure with over 150 rooms and 23 kivas (ceremonial chambers). While many visit for the impressive architecture, it’s interesting to note that the park was one of the first in the U.S. created to preserve archaeological sites rather than natural scenery.
Connecticut: Mystic Seaport Museum
It is the largest maritime museum in the United States, which offers an immersive experience of America’s seafaring past. The museum has a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, complete with historic ships, including the last wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan. An interesting tidbit is that the museum’s extensive ship restoration projects are renowned, and it houses one of the world’s most significant collections of maritime photography.
Delaware: Fort Delaware State Park
Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, is a Civil War-era fort known for housing Confederate prisoners of war. One interesting fact about Fort Delaware is its role as a Union fortress designed to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. Today, the fort offers living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing and artillery firings, bringing the past to life for visitors.
Florida: Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
It’s time to visit the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built by the Spanish in the late 1600s, this coquina (a type of limestone) fort has stood the test of time and numerous sieges. A breathtaking aspect of the Castillo is its unique construction material, which absorbed and dissipated cannon fire rather than crumbling. You can explore the well-preserved fort, learn about its history through reenactments, and enjoy the stunning views of Matanzas Bay.
Georgia: The Martin Luther King Jr. Historical National Park
Spanning approximately 35 acres, this park includes the civil rights leader’s childhood home, the original church where he preached, and the burial site of the civil rights leader. Beyond these well-known sites, the park also features the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, which was planted to honor King’s legacy of peace and nonviolence. The park offers an in-depth look at King’s life and work, providing inspiration and education on the continuing struggle for civil rights.
Hawaii: Pearl Harbor National Memorial
This landmark commemorates the lives lost during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941, which led the United States into World War II. The memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial, which straddles the sunken battleship, a poignant symbol of the sacrifice of the 1,177 crewmen who perished. Beyond the well-known aspects, visitors can explore lesser-known stories through exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
Idaho: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon in Idaho offers an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. This vast expanse of volcanic terrain formed from a series of eruptions over thousands of years, creating a unique environment of lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes. What many visitors find alluring is the park’s historical use as a training ground for Apollo astronauts, preparing them for lunar missions.
Illinois: Willis Tower, Chicago
Formerly known as Sears Tower, Willis Tower is an iconic mark of the city’s skyline and a spectacle of modern engineering. Standing at 1,450 feet, it was the world’s tallest building when completed in 1973. Beyond its impressive height, visitors can experience the Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where glass balconies called The Ledge extend four feet outside the building. Fun fact: on clear days, you can see Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan from the Skydeck.
Indiana: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Opened in 1909, the Speedway is the world’s biggest sports venue, with a capacity of over 257,000 permanent seats. What is interesting to note is that the track originally featured a surface made of crushed stone and tar, which was later replaced with 3.2 million bricks—earning it the nickname “The Brickyard.” Today, a yard of bricks at the finish line remains, honoring its storied past, and visitors can kiss the bricks, a tradition among winning drivers.
Iowa: Field of Dreams Movie Site
Attention, movie buffs! This site offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the iconic 1989 film. The baseball field, set amidst picturesque cornfields, remains a beloved attraction where visitors can play catch, tour the farmhouse, and immerse themselves in the magic of the movie. A fun fact is that the field was originally built by a local farmer, and it’s still maintained by the community, embodying the spirit of the movie’s message: “If you build it, they will come.”
Kansas: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
This preserve protects one of the last remaining stretches of tallgrass prairie, offering a glimpse into the ecosystem that dominated the American Midwest. Visitors can explore the 40 miles of hiking trails, witness the bison herd that roams the prairie, and learn about the area’s history at the 19th-century ranch house and limestone barn. Interestingly, less than 4% of the original tallgrass prairie remains today, making this preserve a crucial refuge for numerous plant and animal species.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
Step inside this underground labyrinth that is filled with stunning geological formations, vast chambers, and a rich history that includes prehistoric Native American artifacts and early settler explorations. One intriguing aspect of Mammoth Cave is its role in early 19th-century medical experiments, where patients with tuberculosis were treated in the cave’s cool, damp environment. While the treatments were unsuccessful, the cave’s history is a testament to human curiosity and resilience.
Louisiana: The French Quarter, New Orleans
Established in 1718, The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city, featuring iconic sites like Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral. What many visitors might not realize is that the French Quarter’s distinctive buildings, with their wrought-iron balconies and colorful facades, reflect a blend of Spanish, French, Creole, and American influences. The district’s history is deeply intertwined with jazz music, voodoo culture, and Mardi Gras celebrations.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a stunning natural paradise on the Atlantic coast with rugged landscapes, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. Covering much of Mount Desert Island, the park features Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, where visitors can be among the first in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Acadia is the first national park east of the Mississippi River, established in 1916 thanks to the efforts of private citizens like John D. Rockefeller Jr., who built the park’s famous carriage roads.
Maryland: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Situated in Baltimore, this scene was instrumental in the War of 1812, particularly the Battle of Baltimore, which motivated Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The fort’s defense against the British attack was a pivotal moment in American history, symbolized by the enormous flag that flew over the ramparts. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fort, witness historical reenactments, and view the original manuscript of the national anthem. The fort continued to serve military purposes through World War II, showcasing its enduring significance.
Massachusetts: Freedom Trail, Boston
In the heart of Boston, the Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path that takes visitors on a journey through the birthplace of the American Revolution. This trail is more than just a walk through the city; it’s a step back in time, connecting 16 historically significant sites, including Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and the site of the Boston Massacre. The Freedom Trail also includes the oldest commissioned warship afloat, the USS Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides.”
Michigan: Mackinac Island
A charming throwback to a bygone era, Mackinac Island is where motor vehicles are banned, and horse-drawn carriages transport visitors around the island. Stepping here feels like entering a living history museum, complete with the grandiose Fort Mackinac. Beyond its historical significance, the island is famous for its fudge, with numerous shops creating the sweet treat on marble slabs. A fun fact: during peak season, more than 10,000 pounds of fudge leave the island, earning it the title of the “Fudge Capital of the World.”
Minnesota: Split Rock Lighthouse
Built in 1910 after a series of shipwrecks, the lighthouse has become a symbol of the state’s rugged North Shore. Visitors can tour the restored lighthouse, keeper’s house, and fog signal building to learn about the lives of the keepers and their families. One interesting detail is that the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969, yet every November 10, its beacon is lit in memory of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the vessel that got hit by a storm and sank in Lake Superior in 1975.
Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park
The park spans over 1,800 acres and includes a cemetery where Union soldiers are buried, the restored USS Cairo gunboat, and numerous monuments and markers. What is interesting to note about this place is that its residents, besieged by Union forces, lived in caves to avoid bombardment, showing their resilience during the 47-day siege. Visitors can explore these cave sites and get a sense of the harsh conditions endured during this critical moment in history.
Missouri: Gateway Arch, St. Louis
It is an architectural marvel and a monument to the United States’ westward expansion. Standing at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made memorial in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond its impressive stature, the Gateway Arch Museum at its base provides interactive exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the people who journeyed west. As the Arch is designed to withstand high winds, it remains completely safe and stable.
Montana: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The battlefield is a reminder of the battle between Native Americans and the United States government over land and resources. Located in southeastern Montana, this monument commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn, where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry Regiment met their fate at the hands of the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes in 1876. One of the most compelling aspects of the battlefield is the “Last Stand Hill,” where Custer and his men make their final stand.
Nebraska: Chimney Rock National Historic Site
The name “Chimney Rock” likely originated from early fur traders, with the first recorded mention occurring in 1827. This iconic spire served as an important landmark as pioneers traveled along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during the mid-19th century. The rock’s distinctive shape and height made it visible for miles, guiding westward travelers who relied on it as a sign that they were nearing the end of the Great Plains. The site includes the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center with exhibits about westward migration.
Nevada: Hoover Dam
Completed in 1936 during the Great Depression, this engineering marvel controls the Colorado River, provides hydroelectric power, and supplies water to the arid Southwest. You can take guided tours inside the dam to see the massive generators and learn about its construction. The art deco design elements incorporated throughout the dam, from the towers to the sculptures celebrate both its functional and aesthetic achievements. The dam’s creation also led to the formation of Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir by volume in the U.S.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States. The Mount Washington Observatory, located at the summit, recorded a world-record wind speed of 231 mph in 1934. Adventurous visitors can reach the summit via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, by car along the Auto Road, or through challenging hiking trails. The summit was once home to a luxury hotel, the Summit House, that was in operation from the mid-19th century until it burned down in 1908.
New Jersey: Ellis Island
It is a poignant symbol of America’s immigrant heritage, situated in New York Harbor but officially part of New Jersey. From 1892 to 1954, over 12 million people passed through Ellis Island in search of a better life. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration hosts exhibits that tell the stories of these individuals, their journeys, and the challenges they faced. A touching detail is the “Wall of Honor” that commemorates the names of immigrants who entered through Ellis Island. It celebrates their contributions to America’s diverse cultural history.
New Mexico: Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest surviving continually occupied communities in the United States. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases multi-storied adobe buildings that have been home to the Taos people for over 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the Pueblo’s ancient architecture, learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Taos people, and view traditional arts and crafts. The Pueblo is still inhabited by about 150 people who maintain the traditional way of life without electricity or running water.
New York: Statue of Liberty
How can we forget the Statue of Liberty? As a symbol of freedom and democracy, Liberty Island stands tall in New York Harbor. Gifted by France in 1886, this colossal statue welcomes visitors and immigrants with its iconic torch and tablet. Climbing up to the crown offers breathtaking views of New York City and the harbor. Did you know? The statue’s copper skin is only about as thick as two pennies, and it’s actually green due to the natural patina that formed over the years.
North Carolina: Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate in Asheville is America’s largest privately-owned home, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century. This grand mansion, with its 250 rooms, showcases stunning architecture, antique furnishings, and beautiful gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. You can tour the opulent interior, explore the extensive gardens, and enjoy wine tastings at the estate’s winery. The Biltmore has its own village, Antler Hill Village, featuring shops, a farmyard, and historical exhibits.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The park got its name after Theodore Roosevelt, who first arrived in the area in 1883 to hunt bison. Designated as a national memorial park in 1947 and redesignated as a national park in 1978, it encompasses three distinct units: the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The park offers approximately 100 miles of hiking trails with a variety of difficulty levels. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe American bison, elk, wild horses, coyotes, and a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and sandhill cranes.
Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a mecca for music enthusiasts. This famous museum celebrates the history and impact of rock and roll music, featuring exhibits of legendary artists, instruments, and memorabilia. People can explore the roots of rock and roll, view iconic stage costumes, and immerse themselves in the stories of music legends. An intriguing aspect is the museum’s extensive archives, which house rare recordings, photographs, and personal letters from some of the greatest names in rock history.
Oklahoma: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City hosts this epic museum that preserves and interprets the history of the American West. The museum’s extensive collection includes art, artifacts, and exhibits on cowboys, Native Americans, and frontier life. Here, you can find the world’s biggest collection of rodeo photographs, barbed wire, and saddlery. The museum’s “End of the Trail” sculpture is one of the most recognized symbols of the American West, depicting a weary Native American warrior on his horse.
Oregon: Crater Lake National Park
The park circles the caldera of Crater Lake, which formed about 7,700 years ago following the collapse of Mount Mazama, a once-mighty volcano. At its deepest point, Crater Lake reaches a remarkable depth of 1,943 feet, making it the deepest lake in the United States and the second-deepest in North America. Established on May 22, 1902, it is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. Swimming is permitted, but access is limited to Cleetwood Cove, where visitors can enter the water safely.
Pennsylvania: Independence Hall
Welcome to the birthplace of the United States. This building is where the Independence Declaration and the U.S. Constitution were adopted. A fascinating detail is that the original Declaration of Independence was signed in this building’s Assembly Room on July 4, 1776, a document that would change the course of history. Over here, visitors are allowed to tour the Assembly Room, where these pivotal events took place, and see the iconic Liberty Bell nearby.
Rhode Island: The Breakers
This Newport site is a grandiose mansion that rules the Gilded Age. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this opulent summer “cottage” boasts 70 rooms filled with luxurious furnishings, art, and décor inspired by European palaces. Guided tours of the mansion are available, and you can walk around its beautifully landscaped gardens and learn about the Vanderbilt family’s lavish lifestyle. It has more than 30 fireplaces, and its construction requires the labor of over 2,000 workers.
South Carolina: Fort Sumter
It was where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, marking the start of the conflict that would shape America’s history. The fort’s well-preserved ruins and museum provide insight into the events leading up to the war and the fort’s strategic importance. You can take a ferry ride to the fort and explore its grounds, learning about its role in American history. The fort was initially built following the War of 1812 to strengthen the United States’ coastal defenses.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore
If carvings could talk, the ones on Mount Rushmore would have some epic tales to tell. Carved into the granite of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore features the colossal heads of four iconic presidents. These 60-foot-high faces were sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and his team over 14 years, starting in 1927. People can explore the Avenue of Flags, the Presidential Trail, and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. A quirky fact: there’s a hidden chamber behind Lincoln’s head, originally intended to house America’s most important documents.
Tennessee: Graceland
Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis is not just a mansion; it’s a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide. His iconic home offers a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock’ n’ Roll, showcasing his extravagant lifestyle and musical legacy. The mansion is open for visitors to tour, see Elvis’s car collection, and pay respects at his last resting spot in the Meditation Garden. Did you know that Graceland was named after the original owner’s daughter, Grace?
Texas: The Alamo
Remember the Alamo! This cry echoes through the heart of Texas history and commemorates the 1836 siege, where a small group of Texan defenders held out against the Mexican army. Located in San Antonio, the Alamo is now a museum preserving the stories of bravery and sacrifice. The Long Barrack and the Alamo Church are must-see sites. The Alamo was originally a Spanish mission named Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, long before it became a fortress.
Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park
Forget what you think you know about canyons—Bryce Canyon National Park, with its surreal, otherworldly landscape of hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), is unlike any other. This park is in southern Utah and offers a visual feast of red, orange, and white rock formations. Go and hike the Rim Trail, take in the views from Sunrise and Sunset Points, and even stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the country. Bryce Canyon isn’t technically a canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters.
Vermont: Shelburne Museum
Eclectic, quirky, and thoroughly delightful, the Shelburne Museum in Vermont is an open-air wonderland of Americana. With 39 buildings spread over 45 acres, it houses an array of collections from folk art and quilts to circus memorabilia and carriages. Highlights include the Ticonderoga, a restored 220-foot steamboat, and the whimsical Round Barn. Here’s a fun nugget: the museum’s founder, Electra Havemeyer Webb, once kept a circus elephant as a pet!
Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg
Time travel isn’t possible (yet), but Colonial Williamsburg comes pretty close to you living the old American life. This living history Colonial Williamsburg museum in Virginia lets visitors step back into the 18th century, complete with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and reenactments of daily colonial life. You can take a trek down Duke of Gloucester Street, visit the Governor’s Palace, or spark a chat with tradespeople in authentic workshops. No matter what you do, be guaranteed of a good time and a valuable history lesson.
Washington: Space Needle
Shoot for the stars—or at least get closer to them—at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic observation tower offers a complete view of the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. The recently added Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, gives people a thrilling perspective. Did you know that the Space Needle’s foundation is anchored 30 feet underground and weighs as much as the tower itself to ensure stability against strong winds and earthquakes?
West Virginia: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers join, Harpers Ferry offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. This West Virginia town was the site of John Brown’s infamous raid in 1859, which aimed to initiate a slave revolt. Today, visitors can explore museums, historic buildings, and hiking trails with breathtaking views. Thomas Jefferson once visited Harpers Ferry and described the view as “worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”
Wisconsin: Taliesin
An architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin in Spring Green is a masterpiece of organic architecture. This estate served as Wright’s home, studio, and school for over 50 years. The place is open for tours where you can explore the gardens and learn about Wright’s innovative and inspiring designs. Taliesin was rebuilt twice after devastating fires in 1914 and 1925, with each reconstruction reflecting Wright’s evolving architectural style.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is America’s first national park and a geological wonder. Home to geysers, hot springs, and a diverse array of wildlife, Yellowstone offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Don’t miss the iconic Old Faithful geyser, the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, and the dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Did you know that Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano, which fuels its geothermal features? It’s a place where the Earth truly comes alive.
