5 U.S. Historical Sites From Sea to Shining Sea Every Student Should See

By Uloop Guest Writer on July 25, 2016

The United States is young by many countries’ standards. Although America is officially 240 years old, our country’s history goes back much further. If you’re a history major, you may have already taken a trip to explore Washington, D.C. and its many significant sites and museums. They tell much of the country’s story, but it’s no substitute for seeing iconic locations in person.

There’s much more to discover from sea to shining sea. For a unique look into our country’s past, plan a trip to one of these destinations.

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Philadelphia’s Independence Hall

Many of the Founding Fathers were present at Independence Hall when the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written. Both signed artifacts now help the Raab Collection and other historians verify the authenticity of newly discovered historical documents from that period.

Independence Hall is considered by many to be the birthplace of America. It was originally built in 1732 to serve as the Pennsylvania State House. The Pennsylvania government let our forefathers use the Assembly Room to debate and draft the documents that would establish the United States of America. It’s also the site where George Washington became the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Army, and in 1781 the Articles of Confederation were adopted here as well.

The Georgian architecture alone makes this one of Philadelphia’s most impressive historical sites. Independence Hall is now open to the public and free tours are given daily. The Assembly Room is easily the most famous part of the building, but the Long Gallery and Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are also not to be missed.

Ellis Island Museum of Immigration

New York City is an epicenter of American history and the origin of citizenship for many U.S. families. Countless people passed through Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty towering proudly above them. Today the Peopling of America Center chronicles their journey.

The latest expansion of the Ellis Island Museum details immigration to the U.S. before the processing station began operating in 1892. Visitors can walk through the galleries to gain a better appreciation for the immigrant experience. The exhibits show where people have come from, the struggles of their migration and their efforts to become part of America. The beautiful displays will make any American proud to be a part of a nation of immigrants.

After your trip to Ellis Island, save a little time to visit the Survivors’ Stairway exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial. It’s the only remaining above-ground remnant of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center buildings. It also serves as a reminder of our country’s strength in the face of adversity.

McLeod Plantation Historical Site in Charleston, SC

Charleston is a spectacular vacation destination because it allows visitors to take a step back in time. From the cobblestone streets to the battleships, the city has been carefully preserved to reflect the colorful past that started more than 100 years before America gained its independence.

Out of all the notable locations in Charleston, one of the most enthralling is McLeod Plantation Historic Site. It’s dedicated to telling the history of the people who built the plantation and lived there — both free and enslaved. McLeod Plantation Historic Site is unique because it puts emphasis on the lives of slaves and how they helped to shape the culture of Charleston.

You can tour the plantation home as well as the slave quarters to get a true understanding of how differently people lived despite being on the same property. Guests can immerse themselves in the daily life of the plantation over 150 years ago and learn about the changes that came during the tumultuous Civil War. This living tribute is a looking glass into a unique part of the U.S.’s past that should not be forgotten.

Kolb Studio at the Grand Canyon

We all know the Grand Canyon is a natural wonder, but few people realize the historical value of the area. The canyons themselves reveal events that happened over thousands of years. However, the man-made structures and trails have even greater historical appeal.

On the south rim, you can walk through the Kolb Studio. The building, cantilevered over a cliff edge, was originally the home of pioneer filmmakers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb. The brothers chronicled the exploration of the Grand Canyon through photography and film. Some of the feats they captured are truly amazing and speak to America’s adventurous love of exploring the unknown.

The home is now a small museum that tells the story of the brave adventurers that first forged a path through and around the Grand Canyon. Throughout the museum, there are artifacts from early settlers and the Kolb brothers’ photographs. Their film, which provides a rare glimpse at the last of pioneer life, can also be viewed while you’re at the museum.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, GA tells of our more recent past. Easily one of the most influential figures in American history, Dr. King’s short life still touches us today.

The site includes both Dr. King’s home church where he preached and his birthplace. You can walk through the spaces where his presence is still felt. The guided tour of Dr. King’s family home provides a look at his childhood and the ideals that influenced him as an adult. Just make sure to arrive at the Visitor’s Center early because the 15-person tours are on a first come, first served basis.

After you’re done walking in Dr. King’s shoes, take a moment to relax in the International World Peace Rose Garden. It’s one of only five such gardens in the world that serve as a reminder of how important peace is in all of our lives.

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