The Top Historic Destination in Each State

While the U.S. is still relatively young as a country compared to other parts of the world, it’s full of historic sites. Over the last 248 years, the U.S. has been rich with landmarks and iconic places to visit. Whether you are an American who wants to explore other parts of the country or a tourist from overseas, there is no shortage of historical destinations. With this in mind, let’s jump right into the top historic destinations in all 50 states. 

Alabama

On September 15, 1963, a bomb was thrown into the 16th Street Baptist Church which killed four young girls. This solidified the church as a stark reminder of the Civil Rights movement.

Alaska

Make it a point to stop at Baranof Castle the next time you’re in Alaska. This site serves as a memory of when Russia handed over the Alaskan territory in 1867.

Arizona

It won’t come as any surprise the Grand Canyon is the best place to visit in Arizona. Featuring 277 miles of formation and up to 18 miles wide at its widest, there’s so much to see at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, visit Little Rock High School, which was the first southern school to combine black and white students following the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.

California

First opened to the public in May 1937, the three-mile-long Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County.

Colorado

One of America’s most incredible locations, Mesa Verde National Park is worth a visit. It’s here that you can find over 600 Pueblo cliff dwellings. They serve as a reminder of life before America.

Connecticut

The home of Mark Twain is the most notable place for history in Connecticut. A 25-room mansion, Twain lived here between 1874 and 1891.

Delaware

When in Delaware, you have to visit Historic New Castle. Between the various houses and museums, the town dates back to the 1600s and is the second oldest town in Delaware.

Florida

You can’t visit Florida without taking a walk down history lane in St. Augustine. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, this is the oldest European settlement in the U.S.

Georgia

Visit the Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site the next time you’re in Georgia. This location marks where Davis was captured by Union Forces in 1865 ending the Civil War.

Hawaii

Of all the sites you can see in Hawaii, the USS Arizona memorial is the most important. The location commemorates the death of 1,102 sailors on board the ship during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Idaho

The oldest standing building in Idaho is the Mission of the Sacred Heart. Built in 1853, it’s inside a national park that is named for the Mission.

Illinois

Visiting Abraham Lincoln’s home in Illinois is a must for any fan of history. Lincoln and his family lived in this Springfield home for 17 years.

Indiana

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is set up right in downtown Indianapolis. The memorial honors Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War and every battle since.

Iowa

In Iowa you will find the nation’s first registered National Historic Landmark. An obelisk near Sioux City honors Sergeant Charles Floyd, the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi.

Kansas

When in Kansas, a visit to Fort Leavenworth is in order. Built in 1827, it’s the oldest Army post west of the Mississippi and has areas open to the public.

Kentucky

Fort Boonesborough calls to anyone who visits Kentucky. Named after legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, you see what life was like centuries earlier.

Louisiana

A well-known area, the French Quarter is the most historic place worth visiting in Louisiana. It’s full of rich history including the area’s great jazz music, Jackson Square, and Cafe Du Monde beignets.

Maine

Dating back to 1754, visit Fort Western in Maine anytime. A National Historic Landmark, Fort Western is America’s oldest wooden fort.

Maryland

If you visit Fort McHenry, you’ll find the location where Francis Scott Key felt inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner. This song is now known as America’s national anthem.

Massachusetts

Ignore Plymouth Rock and visit the Fairbanks House in Dedham. This is believed to be the oldest wooden structure in North America built in 1637.

Michigan

No trip to Michigan is complete without a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. The museum is home to any number of important collections like John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine.

Minnesota

Make it a point to visit Fort Snelling in Minnesota. Completing construction in 1825, this Civil War-era fort looked to stop British fur traders from expanding their reach.

Mississippi

The LaPointe-Krebs house is the oldest structure in the state. Built in 1757, this building is older than the Declaration of Independence.

Missouri

In Missouri, stop at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. On this site, 5,400 Union troops fought against 12,000 Confederate soldiers and that was the oldest battle fought west of the mighty Mississippi.

Montana

If you visited Montana around the 1840s, Stevensville would be one of the only areas you were welcome. This location is often considered the foundation of Montana as a state.

Nebraska

You can’t visit Nebraska without stopping at Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Standing 480 feet high, this geological rock formation was a landmark for western expansion in the 19th century.

Nevada

While not as old as some other locations, the Hoover Dam is a must see historic site in Nevada. There is no doubt it’s one of America’s greatest technological achievements.

New Hampshire

As the first mountain-climbing railway system in the world, Mount Washington Cog Railway is New Hampshire royalty. You’ll take a three-hour ride up to almost 6,288 feet.

New Jersey

The Sandy Hook lighthouse was erected in 1764 and has been a beacon for ships ever since. It only went dark during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and both World Wars.

New Mexico

No trip to New Mexico is complete without seeing Chaco Culture National Historic Park. The Pueblo structures and ruins there have survived from as far back as 850 AD.

New York

If you make any stop in New York, make it Ellis Island. Over 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, there is no greater attraction than the Biltmore Estate. Open for tours, you can see every inch of the largest private home in America.

North Dakota

Take a step into the fur trading industry by visiting the Fort Union Trading Post. From 1828 until 1867, this site was critical for the fur trade.

Ohio

Considered the oldest building in Ohio, the Old Stone Fort in West Lafayette is a must-see. Based on historical information, it’s believed the building was finished as far back as 1679.

Oklahoma

Honey Springs Battlefield was the site of Oklahoma’s largest Civil War battle. Thanks to the First Kansas Colored, the largest African-American regiment, the Union won the day.

Oregon

You can’t possibly stop in Oregon without seeing some part of the 2,000-mile trail best known as The Oregon Trail. From 1811 to 1840, this trail was how American pioneers moved west.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is full of historic sites but nowhere is more important than Independence Hall. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were ratified there.

Rhode Island

The Breakers home once owned by the Vanderbilt family is the best place to stop in Rhode Island. It’s a reminder of the Gilded Age and the businessmen who helped grow America.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, you’ll make a stop at Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Seeing this location is a sharp reminder of one of America’s most tumultuous times.

South Dakota

It goes without saying that in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is the place to visit. It took 14 years to sculpt likenesses of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln out of the side of a mountain.

Tennessee

In Fort Loudon State Historic Park, you’ll see the 1756 fort built by the British to defend against the French and Indians.

Texas

Texas is full of history but “Remember the Alamo” by visiting this location. Heroes like Davy Crockett had a last stand against the Mexican army before Texas was won.

Utah

Visit The Golden Spike National Historic Site any time you’re in Utah. On May 10, 1869, a golden spike was pushed into the railroad to symbolize the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.

Vermont

In The Old Constitution House, Vermont declared itself free from British rule as a free and independent state in 1777. It wouldn’t be until 1791 when Vermont joined the United States.

Virginia

When in Virginia, you’ll stop at Monticello. The home of America’s third president and founding father, Thomas Jefferson, it’s a step back in time.

Washington

Known as the “She Who Watches” pictograph, Tsagaglalal is the most Native American historic site in Washington. The symbols and burial location date back to AD 1700.

West Virginia

Coal helped power the United States since the early 1800s, so a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is in order. This location gives an inside look at what this grueling job has been like for generations.

Wisconsin

The Little White School in Wisconsin is known as the birthplace of the Republican Party. This location is now a self-guided museum.

Wyoming

No visit to Wyoming is complete without a trip to Yellowstone National Park. America’s first national park, three million people annually see 3,500 square miles of breathtaking beauty, including Old Faithful.

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