Besides its well-deserved reputation as one of the most friendly and culturally diverse states, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the most integral states to the birth of the United States of America. A state of all four seasons, there are many natural beautiful locations like Lake Erie that must be experienced in person to fully appreciate. Whether you’re single or on a family trip, these Pennsylvania locales offer the perfect escape from American history and culture.
1) Independence Hall
Step into The City of Brotherly Love to experience modern metropolitan art while still observing American history. Independence Hall is in the heart of downtown and is a living replica of America’s founding and an ode to The Founding Fathers:
- The Offices: Step into the same very office where Thomas Jefferson and other American Founding Fathers signed The Declaration of Independence. You can even sit in the same chairs that have been historically preserved and interact with the ancient artifacts.
- The Liberty Bell: Besides the amazing food and cheesesteaks, visitors come to Philadelphia to also visit the Liberty. The original crack rendered the bell unable to ring during the American Revolution. Still, it got its current name during the Civil War as a beacon for hope and freedom.
- The Museum: Independence Hall is home to amazing exhibits where you can interact with exhibits and artifacts from the American Revolution.
After soaking in all that amazing American history, you can also walk to explore one of America’s oldest mint factories. You can also explore the old Philadelphia neighborhood, complete with cobblestones from the Revolutionary period and artisan cafes with .
2) Gettysburg National Park
Next to Independence Hall, it’s hard to find a better place that embodies true American history than Gettysburg National Park. Considered the battle that turned the tide of the Civil War led by Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address, soak in true American history with these amazing monuments and sites:
- The National Museum: With so much history in front of you at Gettysburg, you might want to start by visiting the actual museum. The Gettysburg National Museum features plenty of exhibits and artifacts celebrating the Civil War for both the Yankees and the Confederates. There are also plenty of films about the era and an intense painting about how Pickett changed the tide of the war.
- Step onto the Battlefield: With so much inspiring history, the next step is to actually step onto the very battlefield where so much history took place. Throughout the battlefield, there are plenty of cannons and other artillery from that time period, preserved for centuries.
- The Virginia Memorial: The Virginia Memorial is a massive statue dedicated to the memory of the fallen Confederate soldiers at Gettysburg.
- The National Cemetery: Continue reliving vital American history by exploring the National Cemetery, the final resting place for the Union soldiers and other patriotic Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
At your leisure, you can explore many historical buildings and battlefields like Little Round Top. You can also schedule plenty of private tours.
3) The National Civil War Museum
If you’re still inspired to learn about the Civil War, why not give The National Civil War Museum a visit? Located in Harrisburg, The National Civil War Museum features interactive exhibits about the behind-the-scenes toll of the Civil War, including the immense financial damage. You can also learn more about the daily life of the soldiers and many of the top figures of that time, like Robert E. Lee.
4) Washington Crossing Historic Park
Step onto the very land that General Washington crossed with his troops along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. To memorialize the Battle of Trenton, the Washington Crossing Historic Park is home to artifacts and exhibits about the build-up and the aftermath of this groundbreaking battle and the bravery of George Washington and his men. There are also reenactments of the pivotal battle during Christmas of 1776.
5) The Philadelphia Museum of Art
For a taste of modern American history, venture to The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Also, located in the heart of downtown, The Philadelphia Museum of Art is perhaps most famous for the steps that Rocky Balboa ran up.
Once inside, prepare to experience over 200,000 works of art from around the world. For those who prefer classic European art, The Philadelphia Museum of Art doesn’t disappoint with plenty of Van Gough and Rembrandt pieces. There is also plenty of modern contemporary art that, includes Andy Warhol.
6) Historic Pubs
Even many of Philadelphia’s artisan cafes and pubs are historical monuments. Enjoy the amazing Philadelphia nightlife with McGillin’s Olde Ale House, which dates back to the 1860s. Philadelphia offers plenty of live venues and nearby casinos to make plenty of friends and cap off this historical vacation.
