Historic Site sights in North America
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Maryland State House
The country's oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, the stately 1772 State House also served as national capital from 1733 to 1734. The Maryland Senate is in action here from January to April. The upside-down giant acorn atop the dome stands for wisdom. Photo ID is required for entry.
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A
Fort Mason
Army sergeants would be scandalized by the frolicking at this former military outpost, including comedy improv workshops, kiddie art classes, and Off the Grid, where gourmet trucks circle like pioneer wagons.
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Hyde Street Pier Historic Ships
Tour 19th-century ships moored here as part of the Maritime National Historical Park, including triple-masted 1886 Balclutha and 1890 steamboat Eureka; summer sailing trips are available aboard elegant 1891 schooner Alma.
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B
Ford's Theatre
On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln in his box seat here. The theater still operates today; you can also take a tour of the theater, and learn about the events that transpired on that fateful April night. There's also a newly restored Lincoln Museum devoted to Lincoln's presidency that you can see as part of the tour. Arrive early to get a ticket, as limited numbers are admitted each day.
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Fort Sumter
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, the fort was shelled to bits by Union forces from 1863 to 1865. A few original guns and fortifications give a feel for the momentous history. The only way to get here is by Boat Tour, which also departfrom Patriot's Point in Mt Pleasant, across the river.
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Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
More than 13,000 Americans were killed during the Civil War in four battles fought in a 17-mile radius covered by this park and maintained by the NPS. Don't miss the burial site of Stonewall Jackson's amputated arm near the Fredericksburg Battlefield visitor center.
The visitor center offers a 'Timeless Fredericksburg' pass, which includes admission to nine local sights .
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James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library
The museum's namesake was the nation's fifth president.
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
A seven-block corridor along Broadway St that features 15 restored buildings, false fronts and wooden sidewalks from Skagway's golden era as a boom town. Thanks to the cruise ships, it's the most popular national park in Alaska. To best appreciate this amazing moment in Skagway's history, join a free, ranger-led walking tour, at the visitor center on the hour from 9am to 4pm.
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Lincoln Home & Visitor Center
Start at the National Park Service visitor center, where you must pick up a ticket to enter Lincoln's 12-room abode, located directly across the street. You can then walk through the house where Abe and Mary Lincoln lived from 1844 until they moved to the White House in 1861; rangers are stationed throughout to provide background information and answer questions.
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Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock's most riveting attraction is the site of the 1957 desegregation crisis that changed the country forever. It was here that a group of African American students known as the Little Rock Nine were first denied entry inside the then all-white high school (despite a 1954 Supreme Court ruling forcing the integration of public schools) then escorted by the 1200-man 101st Airborne Battle Group, a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. Today it's both a National Historic Site and a working high school – the most beautiful one you will ever see. There's a spiffy new visitor center airing all the dirty laundry and putting the crisis into perspective…
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Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
The historic site commemorates the life, work and legacy of the civil rights lodestar. The center takes up several blocks. A stop by the excellent bustling visitor center will help you get oriented with a map and brochure of area sites and exhibits.
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Old State Capitol
Chatterbox docents will take you through the building and regale you with more Lincoln stories, such as how he gave his famous 'House Divided' speech here in 1858. Suggested donation is $4.
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C
Sitka National Historical Park
Alaska's smallest national park has an intriguing trail that winds past 15 totem poles, while inside its visitor center are Russian and indigenous artifacts and traditional carving demonstrations.
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Stockyards
Westernwear stores and knickknack shops, saloons and steakhouses occupy the Old West–era buildings of the Stockyards. City-paid cowboys on horseback roam the district, answering questions and posing for photos. Twice a day, at 11:30am and 4pm, they drive a small herd (16 to 20 beasts) of Texas longhorns down the block in front of the visitor center. It's a goll-dang Kodak moment, pardner.
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Rising Sun Tavern
A museum with tavern wenches.
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Mary Washington House
The 18th-century home of George Washington's mother.
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D
Peterson House
Where Lincoln gave up the ghost the next morning. Closed indefinitely in 2010 for major renovations.
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James River & Kanawha Canal
A footpath here leads to the 19th-century canal locks and, if you have time, a pleasant amble over river bluffs.
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E
Last Chance Mining Museum
The compressor building of Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company is now a museum and the only building open to the public from Juneau's Gold Rush era.
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William Paca House & Garden
An Annapolis highlight, founded in the 18th-century.
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Jemez State Monument
- New Mexico, USA
- Sights › Other
The pretty village of Jemez Springs was built around a cluster of springs, as was the ruined pueblo at Jemez State Monument.
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Mabry Mill
One of the most photographed buildings in the state, the mill nests in such a fuzzy green vale you'll think you've entered the opening chapter of a Tolkien novel.
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F
Beehive House
Brigham Young lived with one of his wives and families in the Beehive House during much of his tenure as governor and church president in Utah. The required tours, which begin on your arrival, vary in the amount of historic house detail provided versus religious education offered, depending on the particular LDS docent. The attached 1855 Lion House, which was home to a number of Young's other wives, has a self-service restaurant in the basement. Feel free to look around the dining rooms during mealtimes.
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Carillon Historical Park
The many heritage attractions include the 1905 Wright Flyer III biplane and a replica of the Wright workshop.
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Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Includes the Wright Cycle Company Complex, where the brothers developed bikes and aviation ideas.
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