Introduction
America is a nation of immigrants, and it’s no surprise that so many people want to explore their past. Whether you’re looking for a place to learn about Native American tribes or want to see where your favorite presidents lived, there are plenty of historical sites across the country that will satisfy any traveler’s curiosity. Here are nine must-see historical sites in North America:
The White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., across from West Executive Park and next to Lafayette Park.
It was built between 1792 and 1800 by Irish-born architect James Hoban (1782–1854) for George Washington’s wife Martha Washington (1731–96). It has been modified many times since its original construction to meet current standards of safety, security, and comfort for the President’s family.
Gettysburg Battlefield
Gettysburg was the site of one of America’s most famous battles. On July 1, 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee attacked Union General George Meade’s forces with more than 50,000 men in an attempt to split up and defeat him before he could unite them. The attack failed miserably when many units retreated or were ordered back into their lines after taking heavy losses on both sides—but not before they had killed or wounded thousands more men than they had anticipated.
The battle ended with over 23,000 casualties on both sides (although many historians believe this number is too high), making it one of history’s bloodiest battles ever fought by humans until World War II broke out nearly 50 years later!
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument in Washington, D.C., built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Henry Bacon and Daniel Chester French, it was dedicated on April 12, 1922. The memorial is made up of four wings representing different periods in American history:
- A colonnade from which visitors overlooks a large reflecting pool and statue of Abraham Lincoln seated on a marble bench with his son Tad standing next to him (about halfway down).
- A grand stairway leading up to an octagonal rotunda with walls depicting scenes from American history through photos mounted on them (the central section has pictures that represent all 50 states).
- An Outdoor Sculpture Court filled with statues representing Great Americans such as George Washington & Thomas Jefferson; soldiers like John Farragut & Robert E Lee; artists such as Van Gogh & Michelangelo; scientists like Albert Einstein & Isaac Newton; athletes like Jesse Owens & Jackie Robinson; musicians like Elvis Presley & Mozart etc., etc., etc..
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a national park in Montezuma County, Colorado. The park preserves an archaeological preserve with over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. The ruins are believed to have been constructed by Ancestral Puebloans between about A.D., 1150 and 1300 (with some dating as far back as 500 B.C.). Many of these structures are well-preserved due to their location on high ground and the lack of human activity since they were abandoned centuries ago—both factors that preserved them from destruction by natural forces like erosion or fire over time.
The most famous site at Mesa Verde is Cliff Palace National Monument which contains several large adobe structures built into sheer cliffs overlooking canyon lands below
Independence Hall and Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Independence Hall and Old City area is home to some of the most important historical sites in North America. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776; where George Washington led his troops as they marched up Broad Street (now known as Constitution Avenue); and where Benjamin Franklin served as American ambassador to France.
Independence Hall is a National Historic Landmark that was once called “Independence Hall.” It’s located at 20th Street and Chestnut Street in downtown Philadelphia at the foot of Market Street near where it meets Arch Street just off Pennsylvania Avenue (Pennsylvania). The building itself has been around since 1732 when it was constructed by William Penn as part of his plan for creating an urban center around which he would build three major thoroughfares: Market Square, Arch Street and Vine Streets (now known as Walnut Lane).
As part of these plans, he also built a large house behind its central block facing onto what was then called Chestnut Alley but later became known simply as ‘Roadway’. This meant that people could walk right down this road towards town instead having them turn left into another alleyway which led directly back out towards Mt Vernon Roadway instead – so there were two routes available!
Empire State Building, New York, New York
The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper that was built between 1930 and 1931. It is located in Midtown Manhattan, at 350 West 33rd Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue. The building’s original name was “Empire State”, but it has been known by this name since 1975.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S Department of Interior. Fourteen years after its construction, it became the world’s tallest building when completed with an antenna added in 1952; however, this title would be held for just over ten years until another skyscraper topped out: Taipei 101—the tallest freestanding structure ever built until then—was completed only two months later in Taipei City (now Keelung City).
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk in Hollywood, California that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of celebrities to entertainment. The Walk was originally established as part of the Golden Eagle Award ceremonies at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre beginning in 1960. There are 2,622 stars on the walk and all but seven are gold-plated.[1]
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce began accepting nominations for stars in 1958 with intention to create a permanent tribute to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry by their career achievements.[2] The first two honorees were actor Spencer Tracy and director Cecil B DeMille.[3] Many other people were nominated over time but did not receive stars until later years because they did not meet established criteria for being considered.[4][5][6][7]
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, but it also symbolizes the United States’ commitment to human rights. The statue was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built on an island in New York Harbor as a gift from France. It was dedicated in 1886, when Emma Lazarus wrote “The New Colossus” poem below its pedestal:
Give me your tired, your poor / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore / Send these, the homeless tempest-tossed to me / I lift my lamp beside theirs till they become one brightness there!
There are many places to visit in America that are steeped in rich history.
There are many places to visit in America that are steeped in rich history. This is a great way to learn about the history of America, and there are many historic sites and landmarks throughout the United States. Whether you’re interested in learning more about our nation’s past or simply looking for a unique place to visit on your trip, these historical sites will help provide you with all the information you need!
Conclusion
There are plenty of historic monuments, museums and other sites that can help you learn more about the history of North America. Whether you’re interested in Native American history or the development of modern cities and countries, there are many places that will educate you on their stories. If you have time for one trip, plan on visiting Washington D.C., New York City or any other major city in America for a day trip to explore these important locations firsthand!
