Ready to step back in time and explore America’s colonial roots? From the
cobblestone streets of New England to the antebellum mansions of the South, the
United States is brimming with cities that offer a fascinating glimpse into our nation’s
early days.
Whether you’re a lover of history or just curious about the past, these 25 cities will
transport you to the colonial era with their well-preserved architecture, living history
museums, and rich cultural heritage.
Boston, Massachusetts: The Cradle of Liberty
Where better to start your colonial adventure than in Boston, the birthplace of the
American Revolution? Walk the Freedom Trail to see 16 historic sites, including Paul
Revere’s House and the USS Constitution.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can even throw some tea into the harbor yourself!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Where Independence Was Born
Step into the shoes of the Founding Fathers in Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.
Afterward, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old City and grab a bite at the historic City Tavern, where John Adams once called the ale ‘more delightful than the nectar of the gods.
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Williamsburg, Virginia: A Living Colonial Town
Experience colonial life firsthand in Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters bring the 18th century to life. Explore the Governor’s Palace, try your hand at colonial crafts, and watch historical reenactments.
For a spine-tingling experience, take a ghost tour at night to hear tales of the city’s haunted past.
Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Colonial Charm
Immerse yourself in the genteel world of Southern colonial life in Charleston. Admire the colorful Georgian townhouses along Rainbow Row, tour a historic plantation, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets.
Don’t forget to sample some Lowcountry cuisine – she-crab soup, anyone?
St. Augustine, Florida: America’s Oldest City
Journey to St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. Explore the imposing Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort, and wander down St. George Street to see beautifully preserved colonial buildings.
For a unique experience, take a nighttime ghost tour of the city’s most haunted locations.
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Newport, Rhode Island: Colonial Opulence by the Sea
Step into the world of colonial merchant princes in Newport. Tour the opulent mansions along Bellevue Avenue, many of which date back to the colonial era.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States, or take a stroll along the historic waterfront.
Annapolis, Maryland: A Colonial Capital by the Bay
Discover the colonial charm of Annapolis, once the capital of the United States, for a brief period. Tour the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and explore the U.S. Naval Academy.
For a taste of colonial life, visit the William Paca House and Garden, home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Salem, Massachusetts: More Than Just Witches
While famous for its witch trials, Salem offers much more colonial history. Visit the House of the Seven Gables, immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, or explore the Peabody Essex Museum’s vast collection of colonial artifacts.
For a spooky twist on history, take a candlelit tour of the 17th-century Joshua Ward House.
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New Castle, Delaware: A Hidden Colonial Gem
Step off the beaten path and discover New Castle, a remarkably well-preserved colonial town. Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with Georgian and Federal-style homes, visit the Old Court House Museum, and explore the grounds of the Read House & Gardens.
Don’t miss the chance to grab a pint at Jessop’s Tavern, operating since 1724.
Providence, Rhode Island: Where Past Meets Present
Explore the colonial roots of Providence, founded in 1636 by Roger Williams. Visit the John Brown House Museum, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture, or take a walking tour of Benefit Street, known as the ‘Mile of History.’
For a unique perspective, try a gondola ride on the Providence River, passing by historic landmarks along the way.
Alexandria, Virginia: George Washington’s Hometown
Walk in the footsteps of George Washington in Old Town Alexandria. Visit Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington, Jefferson, and other Founding Fathers dined, or tour the Carlyle House, a Georgian mansion built in 1753.
Don’t forget to stop by Christ Church, where Washington himself worshipped.
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Savannah, Georgia: A Colonial Garden of Good and Evil
Experience the haunting beauty of Savannah with its Spanish moss-draped squares and antebellum architecture. Take a stroll through Forsyth Park, visit the colonial-era Owens-Thomas House, or explore the eerie Colonial Park Cemetery.
For a taste of local history, try some pralines from River Street Sweets, made using a recipe dating back to the colonial era.
New Bern, North Carolina: A Royal Colonial Capital
Discover the colonial charms of New Bern, the second-oldest colonial town in North Carolina. Visit Tryon Palace, a reconstruction of the original 18th-century governor’s mansion, or explore the New Bern Academy Museum.
Don’t miss the chance to see the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, invented here in 1893 by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire: A Colonial Seaport
Step back in time in Portsmouth, a beautifully preserved colonial seaport. Explore Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum featuring restored buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries, or visit the John Paul Jones House, home of the famous Revolutionary War naval hero.
For a taste of colonial life, stop by the Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire’s oldest brewpub.
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Albany, New York: Where Dutch and English Heritage Collide
Uncover the rich colonial history of Albany, one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original thirteen colonies. Visit the Schuyler Mansion, home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler, or explore the Ten Broeck Mansion, a Federal-style home built in 1797.
Don’t miss the chance to see the New York State Capitol, which houses numerous historical artifacts.
Norfolk, Virginia: A Colonial Naval Hub
Dive into Norfolk’s maritime colonial history. Visit the Moses Myers House, one of America’s earliest Jewish homes, or explore the Willoughby-Baylor House, a Georgian townhouse from the late 18th century.
For a unique experience, take a harbor cruise to see the city’s historic waterfront and naval installations.
Fredericksburg, Virginia: A Colonial Crossroads
Immerse yourself in the colonial and Revolutionary War history of Fredericksburg. Visit the home of Mary Washington, George Washington’s mother, or explore the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, a restored 18th-century pharmacy.
Don’t miss the chance to walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers at Rising Sun Tavern, a popular colonial-era meeting place.
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New Haven, Connecticut: Where Puritans and Scholars Met
Discover the colonial roots of New Haven, founded by Puritans in 1638. Visit the New Haven Green, the heart of the original nine-square city plan, or explore the Grove Street Cemetery, where many notable colonial figures are buried.
For a taste of history, grab a bite at Louis’ Lunch, recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania: The Oldest Inland City
Step into the colonial world of Lancaster, the oldest inland city in the United States. Visit Wheatland, the Federal-style mansion of President James Buchanan, or explore the Historic Rock Ford, home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the unique culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch at the nearby Amish Village.
Plymouth, Massachusetts: Where the Pilgrims Landed
Journey to the site where American colonial history began at Plymouth. Visit Plymouth Rock, the traditional site of disembarkation of the Mayflower Pilgrims, or explore Plimoth Patuxet, a living history museum that recreates the original Plymouth Colony.
For a taste of history, try some authentic colonial cuisine at the Plimoth Patuxet Café.
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Yorktown, Virginia: Where Independence Was Won
Walk the battlefields where American independence was secured in Yorktown. Visit the Yorktown Victory Center to learn about the decisive 1781 battle, or explore the Moore House, where surrender terms were negotiated.
Don’t miss the chance to sail on the Schooner Alliance for a unique perspective of the York River and its historic shoreline.
Princeton, New Jersey: Where Scholars and Revolutionaries Gathered
Uncover the colonial history of Princeton, home to one of America’s oldest universities. Visit Nassau Hall, briefly the capitol of the United States in 1783, or explore the Morven Museum & Garden, home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
For a scholarly experience, take a stroll through the historic Princeton University campus.
Marblehead, Massachusetts: A Colonial Seafaring Town
Step into the world of colonial mariners in Marblehead. Visit the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America, or explore the Old Burial Hill, where many Revolutionary War soldiers are buried.
Don’t miss the chance to sail on a replica of a colonial-era schooner for a true taste of maritime history.
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Bath, North Carolina: The First Port of North Carolina
Discover the colonial charms of Bath, North Carolina’s oldest town. Visit St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the oldest church building in North Carolina, or explore the Palmer-Marsh House, a beautifully preserved Georgian-style home.
For a unique experience, take a ghost walk to hear tales of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who once called Bath home.
Plan a Visit to a Colonial City
As you’ve journeyed through these 25 incredible cities, you’ve touched the very foundations of American history. From the cobblestone streets of New England to the grand plantations of the South, each destination offers a unique window into our colonial past.
Remember, history isn’t just about dates and facts – it’s about understanding the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us. So, plan your next adventure to one of these historic gems.
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