10 Must-Visit East Coast Historic Landmarks

While the United States is a young country, it has a fascinating history that has been documented in various locations around the East Coast. These top ten destinations will give you an unparalleled snapshot of the events, people, and places that shaped the country and let you step back in time. You’ll get a better understanding of what makes the American national identity unique and a greater appreciation for the country as a whole.

The Sunshine State of Florida has one of the most important historical landmarks in the nation: Castillo de San Marcos in historic Saint Augustine. Designed as a fort to protect the city, Castillo de San Marcos dominates the city’s waterfront and is a 450-year-old relic that you can explore on foot. The fort regularly hosts re-enactments and events and has been under Spanish, American, and British rule at various times during its active operation. It was also a stronghold for the rebel Confederate Army during the United States Civil War.

Many visitors prefer to include the Castillo de San Marcos in a larger Saint Augustine itinerary, as there are plenty of additional places of historical relevance within the city. The famous Fountain of Youth is another large draw.

2. The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

The Freedom Trail is a relatively easy trek that spans two and a half miles and gives you a fantastic snapshot of Boston’s most important historical landmarks. You’ll find a total of sixteen on the Freedom Trail, and each tells the story of Boston’s epic place in American history. From the site of Paul Revere’s famous ride to the Old North Church, where the beginnings of the American democratic experiment were first dreamt up, it’s a must-visit destination.

Few symbols in American history hold as much literal and figurative weight as the Liberty Bell. This enormous brass bell with its iconic crack has come to symbolize what so many of us hold dear about the United States. Although it now rests in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Liberty Bell was once hung in pride of place in Independence Hall and, according to legend, cracked the first time it was struck.

The inscription on the Liberty Bell is also iconic, saying, “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which was seized upon by abolitionists as a justification for ending chattel slavery.

4. Salem, Massachusetts

The Salem Witch Trials were a notorious American panic that terrorized the East Coast town of Salem and subjected many of its residents to horrific violence in the name of eliminating witchcraft from the land. Anyone interested in the macabre and grim history of the United States should certainly make a pilgrimage to Salem. There are multiple guided tours available, and the Salem Witch Museum has plenty of artifacts and first-hand testimonies of what happened during those dark days.

The story of Salem is the tale of the perils of widespread delusion and panic, with essential history lessons to guide people today. Additionally, Salem is a charming city with a lovely harbor, plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat, and lovely little bed and breakfasts where you can make the most of your weekend.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is an utterly wholesome place and one of the most important East Coast sites regarding early colonial history. A massive early economic engine for the colonies, Williamsburg was a hot spot for the early days of the United States, and much of it is preserved and ready to be explored today.

Step back into the 1700s with real-life re-enactments, culinary demonstrations, and events running all year round. As a living history museum, visitors are able to fully immerse themselves in all of the joys that Williamsburg has to offer and truly get an authentic feel for how our forefathers and foremothers lived. Williamsburg is great any time of year, but it especially shines during the Thanksgiving holidays, when it comes alive with mouthwatering food and plenty of exhibits and events.

When one thinks of early American culture, Plymouth and the Pilgrims might leap directly to mind. These first settlers first landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and are embedded in American lore in the form of guests to the first Thanksgiving.

Since Plymouth Rock is the most enduring American story, it’s no surprise that this noble attraction is a must-see on the East Coast, but you shouldn’t miss the Plimoth Plantation either. Like Williamsburg, the Plimoth Plantation is a living museum that allows visitors to get a peek at what life would have looked like for the early American colonists. With actors, demonstrations, and plenty of artifacts and relics, this spot is certainly the real deal.

7. The Battery, Charleston, South Carolina

With haunting and beautiful scenery, lush gardens, and plenty of historical relevance, The Battery is easily one of South Carolina’s most iconic spots. This defensive institution kept the area safe and was a pivotal point during the American Civil War. What makes this area so intriguing is its combination of classic gardens and strategic structures, like cannons dotting the promenade.

You’ll also enjoy amazing views of the Charleston Harbor and be close to another fantastic historical destination, Fort Sumter, where you can explore Civil War history. The Battery is also free to visit, so it’s an economical and fascinating option for history lovers.

8. Washington D.C. Mall

Washington, D.C., is perhaps most famously known as the home to many U.S. presidents and easily the epicenter for all American politics. The famous Washington D.C. Mall is the best spot for you to see and experience it all, with fantastic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, and more.

Plan to spend at least the whole day at the Mall, especially since there are multiple museums and different monuments that you can check out for free. Visitors interested in a White House tour will want to make their reservations in advance, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Washington, D.C. 

The legacy of the Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most fascinating stories of the Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces congregating for the single bloodiest battle. As such, Gettysburg is a hotbed of hauntings, a deeply important historical destination, and a must-visit spot for anyone interested in military and American history.

In addition to the famous battle, it’s also the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, which cemented his resolve to keep the Union intact. Anyone interested in the Civil War and its legacy should make it a point to visit Gettysburg.

10. Statue of Liberty, New York

The Statue of Liberty is steeped in deep meaning and stands for some of the most enduring American values like liberty and freedom. This iconic symbol sits in the New York Harbor and greeted immigrants as they first sailed into the United States. Every American, history buff or not, should make a journey to the Statue of Liberty to see this ultimate symbol for themselves and also to marvel at the views over the harbor.

This statue was a gift from the French and crafted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel, who also created one of France’s most memorable icons, the Eiffel Tower.

These ten iconic historical landmarks will enhance your understanding of American history and provide deep context into the people, places, and situations that built the country. From the sunny shores of Florida to the chilly harbor of New York City, they are all worth seeing. Plus, many of these landmarks are surrounded by other interesting historical and cultural things to do, so you can maximize your time while learning vital facts about history.