America may only be a baby relative to many other parts of the world. However, that certainly doesn’t mean the country lacks an interesting history. Here are some cities in the United States with a rich cultural heritage:
New York City, New York
Originally settled by the Dutch in 1625, New York was conquered by the British in 1664. New York has since played an important role in American history. An important strategic point for the early colonists, the city was the gateway to upper New York and the Hudson Valley. Since the American Revolution, New York has become the financial capital of the world and a major center of academia, fashion and culture. The Big Apple was also the traditional arrival point for millions of immigrants. You can now visit Ellis Island and learn about the waves of immigration that made the United States the superpower it remains to the present day.
Boston, Massachusetts
Founded in 1631 by British Puritans, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. It has played a vital role in many facets of American history - as the birthplace of Harvard, the American Revolution, aspects of the modern pubic school system and the burial site for many Founding Fathers. Of note as well, Boston is the birthplace to artists such as The Cars, Aerosmith and shockingly, Boston. When in the city, walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail for superb historic sites.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As the first capital of the United States, the City of Brotherly Love has a lot of history on tap. Philadelphia is the home of Benjamin Franklin, the Continental Congress (all of them), the signing of the Declaration of Independence and of course, the drafting of the American Constitution. Throughout Philadelphia, you can learn about the founding of America, the history of the original Quaker colony, see homes dating back to the 17th century and get a tour by “Benjamin Franklin” himself. It’s a window into 18th century and revolutionary America that is only rivaled by Boston.
Jamestown, Virginia
Founded in 1607, Jamestown was the first English colony in the New World. The Virginia outpost almost folded due to conflict among early settlers before the discipline of John Smith and the cultivation of tobacco got the colony back in order. Jamestown subsequently became the major center of trade in Virginia. Today, historic Jamestown provides a window into 17th century America.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a major port city in the American South. It played a key role in the Civil War (the first shots were fired here at Fort Sumter) and is a time capsule of the “Old South.” The juxtaposition of white aristocratic wealth and excess against the haunting backdrop of slavery makes Charleston a fascinating place to visit. Much of the old plantation architecture has been wonderfully preserved and a visit to the city is a great way to further understanding of pre-Civil War America.
Savannah, Georgia
One of few to be spared from the ravages of the Civil War, legend has it that General Sherman declared the city of Savannah too beautiful to be destroyed. Tree-lined streets front iconic southern architecture. Iron gates shield plantation-style homes once owned by the upper crust of southern aristocracy. From mere observation one can still imagine conversations in the parlour about the future of the Union. All in all, Savannah is a wonderful step back in time and notably, a great place to sample honest-to-goodness soul food.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest settled city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles named this site after discovering it on August 28th, the feast day of Augustine of Hippo. The city confines contain numerous reminders of Spanish rule, the most notable of which is a classic fortification. The main base of defense in Florida for the Kingdom of Spain at the time, Fort Matanzas National Monument is now under the domain of the National Park Service.
Washington, D.C.
Though not the first capital of America, this city has a wealth of history as the political powerbase of the country. The result of negotiations between the first colonists (each state wanted it somewhere else), the city was sacked and burned during the War of 1812. Rebuilt to completion, today the capital draws millions of tourists every year to iconic monuments, memorials and the Smithsonian Museum complex. As the home of Congress and the White House, no other city can provide as much insight into the United States as Washington D.C.
New York City, New York
Originally settled by the Dutch in 1625, New York was conquered by the British in 1664. New York has since played an important role in American history. An important strategic point for the early colonists, the city was the gateway to upper New York and the Hudson Valley. Since the American Revolution, New York has become the financial capital of the world and a major center of academia, fashion and culture. The Big Apple was also the traditional arrival point for millions of immigrants. You can now visit Ellis Island and learn about the waves of immigration that made the United States the superpower it remains to the present day.
Boston, Massachusetts
Founded in 1631 by British Puritans, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. It has played a vital role in many facets of American history - as the birthplace of Harvard, the American Revolution, aspects of the modern pubic school system and the burial site for many Founding Fathers. Of note as well, Boston is the birthplace to artists such as The Cars, Aerosmith and shockingly, Boston. When in the city, walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail for superb historic sites.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As the first capital of the United States, the City of Brotherly Love has a lot of history on tap. Philadelphia is the home of Benjamin Franklin, the Continental Congress (all of them), the signing of the Declaration of Independence and of course, the drafting of the American Constitution. Throughout Philadelphia, you can learn about the founding of America, the history of the original Quaker colony, see homes dating back to the 17th century and get a tour by “Benjamin Franklin” himself. It’s a window into 18th century and revolutionary America that is only rivaled by Boston.
Jamestown, Virginia
Founded in 1607, Jamestown was the first English colony in the New World. The Virginia outpost almost folded due to conflict among early settlers before the discipline of John Smith and the cultivation of tobacco got the colony back in order. Jamestown subsequently became the major center of trade in Virginia. Today, historic Jamestown provides a window into 17th century America.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a major port city in the American South. It played a key role in the Civil War (the first shots were fired here at Fort Sumter) and is a time capsule of the “Old South.” The juxtaposition of white aristocratic wealth and excess against the haunting backdrop of slavery makes Charleston a fascinating place to visit. Much of the old plantation architecture has been wonderfully preserved and a visit to the city is a great way to further understanding of pre-Civil War America.
Savannah, Georgia
One of few to be spared from the ravages of the Civil War, legend has it that General Sherman declared the city of Savannah too beautiful to be destroyed. Tree-lined streets front iconic southern architecture. Iron gates shield plantation-style homes once owned by the upper crust of southern aristocracy. From mere observation one can still imagine conversations in the parlour about the future of the Union. All in all, Savannah is a wonderful step back in time and notably, a great place to sample honest-to-goodness soul food.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest settled city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles named this site after discovering it on August 28th, the feast day of Augustine of Hippo. The city confines contain numerous reminders of Spanish rule, the most notable of which is a classic fortification. The main base of defense in Florida for the Kingdom of Spain at the time, Fort Matanzas National Monument is now under the domain of the National Park Service.
Washington, D.C.
Though not the first capital of America, this city has a wealth of history as the political powerbase of the country. The result of negotiations between the first colonists (each state wanted it somewhere else), the city was sacked and burned during the War of 1812. Rebuilt to completion, today the capital draws millions of tourists every year to iconic monuments, memorials and the Smithsonian Museum complex. As the home of Congress and the White House, no other city can provide as much insight into the United States as Washington D.C.
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