Get a Dose of Colonial History at several places across the U.S. Each offers historical sites with interpretive guides in historical costumes. Visitors can learn about when the British ruled the land, the lead-up to the American Revolution and the war that followed. Here are the best Colonial Sites in the U.S.
7 Best Colonial Sites in the U.S.
Boston and the Freedom Trail
Minute Man National Historic Park in Massachusetts
Philadelphia and Independence Hall
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Jamestown Settlement in Virginia
Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum
Colonial Williamsburg
Boston and the Freedom Trail
By the mid-1700s, the British Parliament began taxing the Colonies without a representative vote. It began with the Stamp Act in 1765 and the Townshend Acts in 1767.
Tensions boiled over after the Boston Massacre in 1770, in which British Soldiers killed five colonists. The Boston Tea Party came after the Tea tax in 1773.
Boston National Historical Park’s Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile paved trail. Visitors can see the 16 most important sites from the American Revolution against England by walking along its route that snakes through Downtown, the North End and Charlestown.
You can see preserved colonial structures like the Old South Meeting House and Paul Revere’s House. The best way to see Boston is to walk the Freedom Trail.
There are several options. You can take a guided walking tour. Or you can download a self-guided tour and walk it on your own. I have done both, and it’s up to your schedule and budget.
Minute Man National Historic Park in Massachusetts
In April 1775, militia members clashed with British troops, sparking what would become a full-blown war in the months following. Visitors can hike the five-mile Battle Road Trail and imagine Redcoats patrolling the fields.
The Minute Man National Historic Park Visitor Center is located in Lincoln, MA, northwest of Boston. There are four separate NPS units, or areas of historical interest, across three different towns. The grounds are open year-round.
Top Things to See Along the Freedom Trail
Philadelphia and Independence Hall
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia is the epicenter of the American Revolution. This 55-acre National Park Site preserves the history of Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution were signed by the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
Located in the Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods, visitors will find Independence National Historical Park, a collection of buildings to tour, including the Liberty Bell, which still has its original crack.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
The Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania tells the story of suffering and resilience. Many already know the story of the terrible winter that George Washington’s troops endured at Valley Forge.
Visitors can tour replica log huts of the troops and reflect on that memorable winter at the Washington Memorial Chapel. Ranger-led tours along the ten-mile Encampment Route allow people to connect with the troops of the American Revolution.
The Valley Forge National Historical Park Visitor Center is located at 1400 N Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, northwest of Philadelphia. The grounds are open year-round.
Top Colonial Things to Do in Philadelphia
Jamestown Settlement in Virginia
Established in 1607, Jamestowne is the first permanent English settlement in North America. There were other settlements in North America; however, this is the first English settlement in which the foundations of the U.S would be formed.
Visitors will find archaeological sites, reconstructed buildings and some custom interpreters at the three different sites along the James River. This area is part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle.
Jamestown Sites to Explore
Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum
The Yorktown Battlefield was the last major battle of the American Revolution. This site includes several buildings from the era, a driving route through the battlefield and a visitor center, part of the Colonial National Historical Park.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a 22-acre site dedicated to the American Revolution. It features a visitor center and an outdoor living history area with costumed interpreters.
Both sites are located about two miles apart.
Colonial Williamsburg
The largest living history museum in the US, where costumed interpreters bring the 18th-century colonial capital to life. Colonial Williamsburg is a 301-acre sites includes 89 original 18th-century buildings and several hundred recreated buildings from the 18th century, according to original plans.
Colonial Williamsburg includes three main thoroughfares and connecting side streets. It is designed to represent how Williamsburg existed in the 18th century.
The main streets are Duke of Gloucester Street and Francis Street. Palace Green is flanked by historic sites, some with historical demonstrations. The Governor’s Palace and Gardens are located at the end.
