If you have been thinking about taking a trip to the East Coast, there are plenty of interesting historical sites that you can visit along the way. These are fantastic destinations for children and high school students that are studying American history, though they are accessible and informative for people of any age. Of the entire East Coast, here are thirteen of the most interesting historic sites that are worth going out of your way to visit.
13 Historical Sites Not To Miss On The East Coast
1. The Lincoln Memorial and the White House, Washington D.C.
There is no better place to learn more about American History than Washington, D.C.! You can take a tour of both of these buildings and learn more about the former U.S. Presidents.
2. Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia
Just a few hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. is Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Dress up like a colonist if you want to, and see what life looked like for the earliest American settlers. If you have some extra time, consider spending an extended amount of time in Virginia - there are many more historic sites in the state!
3. The Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
This is an easy monument to see if you are visiting New York. This is one of the greatest symbols of American freedom and democracy - and it was a gift from the French in 1885.
4. Niagara Falls, New York
See the border of the United States and Canada at this beautiful site. This is an interesting location for geologic history - the river that flows into the Falls is an estimated 12,000 years old.
5. Boston National Historic Park, Boston, Massachusetts
See the place where the Declaration of Independence was read at the Old State House, and visit the home of Paul Revere. The park is very large, so plan to spend a few days there to get the most out of it!
6. Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia
See George Washington’s former home and learn more about the first President’s life. Tour the house, see Washington’s grave, and stroll around the nearly 50 acres of land that is part of his estate.
7. Savannah Historic District, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has the largest National Historic Landmark District in the entire United States. Visit the forts from the Revolutionary and Civil War periods, and tour historic mansions. Savannah’s museums offer an interesting perspective into Georgia’s unique history. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and cobblestone streets in this area.
8. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Independence Hall is the old State House in Pennsylvania which was hugely important to the birth of the United States. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. While you’re in Philadelphia, be sure to visit Benjamin Franklin’s home.
9. Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts
Find out what it was like to live in the 17th century when you visit Plimoth Plantation. Step aboard the Mayflower II, a tall ship reproduction of the Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. Learn more about the Wampanoag, the first people of the area.
10. Cape May, New Jersey
The Victorian houses in Cape May are reason enough to come visit this beautiful city perched on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The Emlen Physick Estate is particularly noteworthy, and offers guided tours. You can also see the historic lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park.
11. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
Take a self-guided house tour of the former home of George and Edith Vanderbuilt, and explore the grounds that were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park. This is officially America’s largest home, so you don’t want to miss it - and you will be amazed at its beauty!
12. Fort Raleigh, North Carolina
No one knows what happened to the Lost Colony of Fort Raleigh! The colonists who settled there left Fort Raleigh without leaving many clues behind as to why. Nearby, you can visit Kitty Hawk - the place of the very first flight.
13. St. Augustine, Florida
There are many interesting historical attractions in St. Augustine, Florida where you can learn a lot more about the Spanish presence in Florida and the state’s history. The Colonial Spanish Quarters, Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas will give you a window into Spanish life.
This article was written by Cathy Trainor.