For better or worse, war has helped define the very foundations of America. Between breaking away from English rule or keeping the country together during the Civil War, war has been a central theme of American life. It’s for this reason that so many different war memorials exist across the United States. If you’re ready for a road trip, this list will help you discover the best war memorials to visit in every state.
Alabama
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1368487928-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
©George Dodd III/Shutterstock.com
You can’t visit Alabama without seeing the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. It’s hard to pass up exploring all 12 decks of this mighty ship that once patrolled the oceans.
Alaska
![Alaska War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Alaska_Veterans_Memorial_July_2007-1200x900.jpeg)
©An Errant Knight / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
The outdoor Alaska Veterans Memorial located at Denali State Park was established to honor fallen soldiers. The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, and Merchant Marines are all remembered.
Arizona
![Legislative Governmental Mall or Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza with monuments in Phoenix - Arizona, United States](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2381126735-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x694.jpg)
©Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock.com
The Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix is a prominent World War 2 memorial. A total of 400 one-foot limestone markers honor 1,000 lives each symbolizing the 400,000 Americans who died in the war.
Arkansas
![Arkansas Fallen Soldier](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arkansas_National_Guard_Hosts_Annual_Fallen_Soldier_Memorial_41932185381-1200x853.jpg)
©Arkansas National Guard / Public Domain - Original / License
Located in Camp Robinson in Arkansas, the Fallen Soldier Memorial honors those who have given their lives in combat since World War I. The National Guard hosts ceremonies at this location yearly to honor fallen soldiers.
California
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1241px-West_Coast_World_War_II_Memorial_California_-_NARA_-_6003575.jpg)
©National Archives and Records Administration / Public Domain - Original / License
The West Coast World War II Memorial in Golden Gate Park is the best war memorial in California. The curved granite wall is inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives in service to this country.
Colorado
![Colorado War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Colorado_Freedom_Memorial_Ceremony_9-1200x784.jpg)
©Senior Airman Danielle McBride, U.S. Space Force / Public Domain - Original / License
The first memorial in the country to be dedicated to those who fought in every American war, the Colorado Freedom Memorial is well worth visiting. Every branch of the military is honored.
Connecticut
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-370318409-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg)
©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Visible for miles, the Soldiers’ And Sailors’ Monument in New Haven is the best in Connecticut. Built in 1887, it honors the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War.
Delaware
![Aerial image Delaware Memorial Bridge](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-481494958-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
©Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com
Located near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated in 1956. The memorial honors those from Delaware and New Jersey who gave their lives in World War 2 and Korea.
Florida
![Florida War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Iraq_and_Afghanistan_War_Memorial_of_Florida_P003-1200x900.jpg)
©Leonard J. DeFrancisci / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
In Port St. Lucie Florida, you will find a memorial honoring soldiers who have fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In total, more than 349 names of Florida soldiers are inscribed on the granite memorial.
Georgia
![Outside of the Providence Spring monument at the Andersonville Civil War prison historical site with selective focus on bricks](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1589137993-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x800.jpg)
©Will478/Shutterstock.com
As the only national park to serve as a memorial to Americans held as prisoners of war, Andersonville National Historic Site is well worth visiting. It’s the site of the largest Confederate military prison set up during the Civil War.
Hawaii
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_385693861-scaled-1.jpg)
©PomInOz/Shutterstock.com
It goes without saying the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is the place to visit in Hawaii. It honors those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, and helps us remember one of America’s darkest days.
Idaho
![Housing Barracks at Minidoka National Historic Site, Idaho](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1057638284-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x783.jpg)
©Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com
In Idaho, the Minidoka National Historic Site is a must-see location for all Americans. This is one of the sites where the Japanese were interred during World War 2 out of fear they were double agents.
Illinois
![Soldiers Field, Chicago](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-109273280-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x797.jpg)
©Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock.com
There are plenty of great monuments in Illinois, but none are as popular and well-known as Soldier Field. Home to the Chicago Bears, the 1924 stadium is a giant memorial honoring those who lost their lives in WWI.
Indiana
![Indianapolis, Indiana, USA skyline over Monument Circle at dusk.](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1916201029-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x801.jpg)
©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
The best war memorial in Indiana is the Indiana War Memorial and Museum. Originally built to honor those who served in WWI, the entire five-block plaza is the largest war memorial in the United States.
Iowa
![Sullivan Brothers Museum Iowa](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sullivan_Brothers_Iowa_Veterans_Museum_Watrtloo_IA_pic2-1200x900.jpg)
©RifeIdeas / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license - Original / License
Dedicated to Iowa residents who fought in all wars, the Iowa Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is a wonderful place to see.
Kansas
![Memorial hall Kansas City](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2560px-Soldiers_and_Sailors_Memorial_Building_front-1200x900.jpeg)
©Nja1985 / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license - Original / License
Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas is the best war memorial in the state. A multi-purpose auditorium, the location was built to honor World War II veterans.
Kentucky
![Kentucky War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-14-at-12.08.57%E2%80%AFPM-1200x1059.jpg)
©Normal Op / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
The Kentucky War Memorial is dedicated to all the Kentucky residents who died in war. Over 65 feet high, the 1850 monument originally honored just those who died up to 1850.
Louisiana
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2560px-The_National_WWII_Museum_New_Orleans_Dec_2015-1200x800.jpg)
©ironypoisoning / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license - Original / License
No visit to Louisiana is complete without a stop at the National WWII Museum. Both a place of history and a memorial to fallen soldiers, this is one of the most comprehensive war museums in the country.
Maine
![Monument to the victims of the USS Maine in Havana, Cuba.](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-626029286-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x801.jpg)
©Felix Lipov/Shutterstock.com
The USS Maine Memorial overlooks the remains of the 230 crew members who died on the ship. Exploding off the coast of Havana, Cuba, the event set off the Spanish-American War.
Maryland
![Maryland World War II Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maryland_World_War_II_Memorial-1200x800.jpg)
©Something Original / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license - Original / License
The Maryland World War II Memorial in Annapolis should be your first stop in a state full of war memorials. The 48 granite pillars honor the 48 states that participated in the war.
Massachusetts
![Lexington War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Monument_-_Lexington_MA-900x1200.jpeg)
The oldest war memorial in the United States belongs to the Lexington Revolutionary War Monument. Its location matches exactly where the Lexington militia confronted British soldiers on April 19, 1775.
Michigan
![Michigan War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Moorings-1200x803.jpeg)
©Appraiser / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license - Original / License
An unusual but moving war memorial in Michigan is The War Memorial housed at the Russell Alger family mansion in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The house was dedicated to those lost in battle during World War II.
Minnesota
![Court of Honor](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Court_of_Honor-MN_State_Capitol-east_side-1200x626.jpg)
©Myotus / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Located near the State Capital Complex, the Court of Honor memorializes all Minnesotans who fought and died in the Civil War through Vietnam. In total, 57,413 Minnesotans are honored by this memorial.
Mississippi
![Vicksburg National Military Park, American Civil War Site](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1802611603-huge-licensed-1-scaled-1200x783.jpg)
©Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com
It’s easy to argue the Vicksburg National Military Park is the best war memorial in Mississippi. The memorial has about 1,400 different monuments honoring this pivotal Civil War battle.
Missouri
![Kansas City World War I Liberty Memorial and Museum constructed in 1926](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2276282565-huge-licensed-1-scaled-1200x801.jpg)
©digidreamgrafix/Shutterstock.com
When in Missouri, take a trip to the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. First opened in 1926, this is the country’s primary war memorial dedicated to World War I.
Montana
![Little Bighorn Battlefield, Custer National Cemetery memorializes the US Army's 7th Cavalry and the Lakotas and Cheyennes in one of the Indian's last armed efforts to preserve their way of life.](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2230966049-huge-licensed-1-scaled-1200x799.jpg)
©JWCohen/Shutterstock.com
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument should be your first war memorial stop in Montana. This site commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 between the U.S. Army and Native Americans.
Nebraska
![Memorial Park and Rose Garden of Omaha, Nebraska](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1421402792-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x898.jpg)
©Shots by Natalie/Shutterstock.com
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Memorial Park offers a beautiful monument to soldiers from Douglas County who served in the armed forces.
Nevada
![Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2385834229-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
©Jan Michael Pilario/Shutterstock.com
Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetary is a memorial well worth visiting. Across 79 acres, this site is the final resting place for any qualifying member of the armed forces.
New Hampshire
![War Memorial New Hampshire](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/War_Memorial_Colburn_Park_Lebanon_NH_June_2016-1200x900.jpg)
©Artaxerxes / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Located in downtown Lebanon, New Hampshire is its beloved World War I memorial. Inscribed on the memorial are all of the Lebanon residents who served in World War I.
New Jersey
![Vietnam War Memorial New Jersey](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1498885070-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x899.jpg)
©Andrew Nestler/Shutterstock.com
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is dedicated to the 1,500 residents of the state who lost their lives in the war. The “Letters from Home” sculpture is a beautiful place to visit.
New Mexico
![Veterans Memorial Park](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Veterans_Memorial_Park_Las_Cruces_New_Mexico-1200x900.jpg)
In New Mexico, the Veterans’ Memorial Park is located in Las Cruces. The 1999 memorial includes memorials for the Korean War, Marine Corps, Special Forces, World War 2, and more.
New York
![Bird in flight over 9 11 Memorial fountain in New York Manhattan](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1353079184-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x740.jpg)
©Dragos Asaftei/Shutterstock.com
The most important war memorial in New York is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11, it’s a reminder for those fighting the global war on terror.
North Carolina
![Aerial view of the USS North Carolina Battleship.](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2242036891-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x674.jpg)
©Red Lemon/Shutterstock.com
Moored near historic downtown Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina. Serving in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II, the ship earned 15 battle stars.
North Dakota
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Veterans_Memorial_Bridge_Fargo_ND-1200x900.jpg)
©WeaponizingArchitecture / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Connecting Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, the Veterans Memorial Bridge commemorates those who have served in the U.S. military. Ten columns represent the different branches of the military and various veteran organizations.
Ohio
![Obelisk of Perry's Victory International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay, Ohio](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2400208919-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x800.jpg)
©Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com
One of the most prominent war memorials in Ohio is the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Celebrating a naval victory during the War of 1812, the memorial is 352 feet tall.
Oklahoma
![Talihina War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Talihina_November_2016_16_Kiamichi_Valley_War_Memorial-1200x800.jpg)
©Michael Barera / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Located at the Kiamichi War Valley Memorial in Talihina, Oklahoma is a M110 howitzer. While this location honors fallen service members, it’s also believed this weapon points to a similar howitzer in Talihina, Virginia.
Oregon
![Oregon World War II Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Oregon_World_War_II_Memorial_-_Salem-1200x751.jpg)
©M.O. Stevens / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Dedicated to World War II veterans, the Oregon World War II Memorial is located on State Capitol grounds. A total of nine memorial plaques honor the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Corps, National Guard, and Civilians.
Pennsylvania
![National Memorial Arch and American Flag, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania, USA](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2024484752-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x800.jpg)
©Walt Bilous/Shutterstock.com
Located in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania is the National Memorial Arch. The arch celebrates the arrival of George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
Rhode Island
![Rhode Island War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/World_War_II_Veterans_Memorial_State_Park_in_Woonsocket_RI-1200x900.jpg)
©Gzub / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
A big attraction in Rhode Island is the World War II Veterans Memorial State Park. A large granite monument honors Rhode Island residents who gave their lives during the war.
South Carolina
![The USS Yorktown CV-10 historic ship by the port of South Carolina 11 June 2022](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2360106611-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x799.jpg)
©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com
There is something incredible about visiting the USS Yorktown in Charleston. Having participated in 40 World War II battles, the Yorktown is a beautiful display of the once mighty ship.
South Dakota
![USS South Dakota](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USS_South_Dakota_memorial_1-1200x659.jpg)
©AlexiusHoratius / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license - Original / License
The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is one of the most unique war memorial locations. The memorial is designed to the approximate size of the battleship while honoring its World War 2 history.
Tennessee
![Nashville, Tennessee...view from the World War II Memorial up to the statehouse](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1721179-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x800.jpg)
©aceshot1/Shutterstock.com
No visit to Tennessee is complete without seeing the beautiful World War II Memorial in Nashville. A total of 2,800 square feet offers larger-than-life sculptures and a granite plaza honoring those who served and died.
Texas
![Korean War Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Korean_War_Memorial_48885569598-1200x900.jpg)
©Eden, Janine and Jim / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license - Original / License
With more than 289,000 Texans serving in the Korean War, the Korean War Veterans Memorial includes the name of 1,723 Texas who died fighting in the “forgotten war.”
Utah
![Utah Veterans Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Utah_Veterans_Cemetery_and_Memorial_Park_Chapel_entrance_Apr_17-1200x900.jpg)
©An Errant Knight / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
The Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park is in Bluffdale. This location offers a central plaza full of sculptures as well as a final resting place for many of Utah’s veterans.
Vermont
![Aerial View of Bennington Monument in Vermont](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1615710391-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x798.jpg)
©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com
As the tallest man-made building in Vermont, the Bennington Battle Monument is worth visiting. The monument memorializes a pivotal victory for American forces against the British in 1777.
Virginia
![richmond war memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-2987784-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x799.jpg)
©Matt McClain/Shutterstock.com
The Virginia War Memorial and the Shrine of Memory are must-see in Virginia. This beautifully built memorial celebrates Virginians who lost their lives from World War 2 until today.
Washington
![Full Moon Over Winged Victory Monument Washington State Capitol Area](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock-1558918883-huge-licensed-scaled-1200x799.jpg)
©John T Callery/Shutterstock.com
Best known as Winged Victory, this World War I memorial in Olympia, Washington is beautiful. The memorial is dedicated to all who died in World War I and is celebrated for including a Red Cross nurse in the group.
West Virginia
![West Virginia Veterans Memorial](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The_West_Virginia_Veterans_Memorial_designed_by_P._Joseph_Mullins_in_1995_at_the_State_Capitol_complex_in_Charleston_LCCN2015631765.tif-1200x801.jpg)
©Carol M. Highsmith / https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/482_high.html - Original / License
A two-story oval-shaped monument, the West Virginia Veterans Memorial honors more than 10,000 West Virginia soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Wisconsin
![Highground Wisconsin](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Highground_Park-1200x808.jpg)
©Wikideas1 / Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication - Original / License
The largest manned Veterans Park in the country, The Highground Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project is a 155-acre park that includes a museum, gift shop, and picnic areas.
Wyoming
![War Memorial Stadium](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/War_Memorial_Stadium-1200x798.jpg)
©Sesamehoneytart / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license - Original / License
Originally dedicated to the 30,000 Wyoming veterans who served in World War II, the University of Wyoming “War Memorial” is now dedicated to all Wyoming Veterans. It’s also the highest Division 1 stadium in the country at 7,215 feet above sea level.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aqeela_Image/Shutterstock.com.