8 Historical Places to Visit on the East Coast

There are so many historical places to visit on the East Coast. The USA is a vast area with everything and anything that someone could want. There are beaches, architecture, sports, water activities, mountain hikes and climbs, festivals, and, of course, major historical places and landmarks. You could live your entire life traveling the USA and probably still not get to see everything before the day you die. That’s a lot of stuff to do!

We have an excellent list of the best places to visit in the US, but what about the historical place to visit on the East Coast? Some might think since the USA is still a pretty new country compared to the others in the world, that it lacks history and depth, but it couldn’t be any further from the truth. Despite still being a “new” country, the USA has a selection of major historical places that are huge tourist attractions and certainly an educational experience for any history lover.

You might want to walk in the footsteps of some famous historical icons, visit the home of incredible American architects, see some of the major landmarks of the USA, or see historical national parks that hold some of the country’s most treasured and revered historical places.

So here’s a list of historical place to visit on the East Coast, but this is only a start! The amount of historical complexes, sites, and landmarks can go on for weeks and weeks. Some of these hold the history of the country we know today and it’s incredibly humbling to be standing at the place where such pivotal moments in American history happened.

8. Savannah Historic District

Low and behold the largest National Historic Landmark in the country. During your visit here you will have the option to explore a complex of attractions including monuments, museums, mansions, and churches. There are also Civil War and Revolutionary forts located here. You will surely get a huge dose of history as you wander around the cobblestone streets and gardens.

7. Lincoln Memorial and the White House

Built to honor the great president, Abraham Lincoln, this national monument is in Washington DC and certainly a must visit on your path of American history. While you’re here, it would be a shame to miss out on the country’s ultimate building, the White House. Take a tour of this important building and create a timeless memory down history lane.

6. Statue of Liberty

A lovely gift from the French in 1885, this statue stands tall just off the coast of New York City. This is a symbol of friendship, freedom, and democracy from France to the people of the USA.

5. Boston National Historical Park

The infamous Paul Revere’s House, the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was read to Bostonians, and The Old South Meeting House where the meeting that led the Boston Tea Party was held, are just a few of the sights to see at the Boston National Historical Park. And this is just the start. This 43 -acre park might need a few days set aside to explore.

4. Williamsburg

Would you like to walk in the footsteps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas? Perhaps see the site where the victory of the Revolutionary War took place? Or maybe you’d like to visit America’s first permanent English colony at Jamestown Settlement? This and a lot more history are waiting for you in Williamsburg.

3. Cape May

Roaming around this area will bring you around the largest collection of frame buildings that are left in the US. These houses are the definition of “American building.” Late Victorian style, bungalows and more historical homes are along the way. There are also old churches, colonial hotels, and villas. If you’re into late American architecture, this is the spot for you.

2. Independence Hall

This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and brought to action as well as the adoption of the Constitution. And just down the street from Independence Hall is the famed cracked Liberty Bell. What an important chunk of history, here!

1. Biltmore Estate

There’s really no park more famous than Central Park in New York, and the creator of this magnificent park is Frederick Law Olmsted. He has created more than just the famed park though, and this magnificent Chateauesque-style mansion is just another masterpiece. The sprawling property is still owned by one of the Vanderbilts, and has been in the top ten of America’s Favorite Architecture.

This is only a short list of historical places to visit on the East Coast. There are so many more. Which historical spot interests you most?