Learning history from textbooks can get a little, well, boring at times, even we'll admit that.
If your students aren’t exactly into your American History lessons, maybe you should look for a historical field trip that will get them involved with reenactments, festivals, and monuments up close and personal. The best way to learn is to do, after all, and we believe the best way to learn history is to do work in person!
From prehistoric settlements by Native Americans to Pilgrims landing in Plymouth Country and everything in between, here are what we consider to be the Top 10 American Settlement Spots! Enjoy Revolutionary War, Civil War, and even Spanish War historical sites, live pioneer reenactments, and tons of Native American history you won’t want to miss out on!
- Boston - Boston is a city of many firsts, from the first public library and park to the first subway system and school. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and take in all the history of Puritans, Revolutionaries, and the Freedom Trail.
- Jamestown - When you think of settlement spots Jamestown should definitely top your list, this Virginia staple town the earliest long-term English settlement spot in the whole country. Learn about the 1607 landing by Captain John Smith, as well as the history of the nearby town of Roanoke within the Virginia Blue Ridge Range.
- Williamsburg - Williamsburg is one of the best historical/settlement spots to take advantage of when you want to really relive history, the entire town a permanent time capsule of a period lost. Some people even consider this to be the ‘Disneyland of the Revolutionary War’.
- Philadelphia - Philly, the city of Brotherly Love, is a timeless spot in America to pay tribute to our nation, Ben Franklin, and Philly Cheesesteaks. Tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, and learn all about the history of the Declaration of Independence here!
- Washington DC - D.C is almost a given when it comes to U.S settlement spots, just take one look around and you will see more than 5 American landmarks worth visiting!
- Charleston - First founded in 1670, Charleston is a quaint little city full of living history, this area holding the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the McLeod Home. Get in all the Southern culture history you can!
- Albuquerque - Though it may not first come to mind, Albuquerque is one of the most historic American cities overall, the Spanish Pueblo style community holding the technically oldest community, Acoma-circa 1150, as well as one of the oldest churches, the 1700 San Felipe Church. You will also enjoy authentic cuisine and military history here!
- Cahokia/ St. Louis - Cahokia, located just 15 miles from St. Louis, is considered to be very first, and the largest, prehistoric settlement north of Mexico. The Monk Mounds in Cahokia are dated back to 700-1400, and the city of St. Louis itself has plenty more history, mostly centered around Lewis and Clark and the age of discovery.
- New Orleans - New Orleans’ French Quarter is absolutely packed full of historical architecture that we believe is worth a visit, the entire city a sort of architectural museum and homage to early southern culture. Be sure to see the St. Louis Cathedral and Cabildo.
- St. Augustine - Last but not least we have Florida’s own St. Augustine, the site of the famed ‘Fountain of Youth’ archaeological park. This city is considered to be the oldest in America, found in 1565 by a Spanish explorer, though it was inhabited much earlier by Native Americans.
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