Five Patriotic Places Every American Should Visit

With July 4^th right around the corner, patriotism is swelling all across America.   Why not celebrate our nation’s freedom with a visit to a few of her most patriotic places?

Where should you go?  Here’s our list of the five patriotic places every American should visit!

1.     Lexington / Concord, Massachusetts – On April 19, 1775, the Revolutionary War begin here when America’s Minute Men “fired the shot heard ‘round the world.”  It was a bloody battle on this 22 mile stretch of road between Boston and Concord.  But, the Minute Men’s determination to persevere ultimately helped lead to the nation’s independence.  

Today, Minute Man National Historical Park (www.nps.gov/mima/) preserves many of the pivotal battles sites.  You can walk the Battle Road Trail and take the very route the Minute Men did on that fateful day.  See the famous North Bridge, visit the Hartwell Tavern (just as the patriots did back in the day), and stop by The Wayside: House of Authors where Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne spent time writing.

2.     Boston’s Freedom Trail (http://www.thefreedomtrail.org) – Walk through history on Boston’s Famed 2.5 mile Freedom Trail.  You’ll be able to visit Paul Revere’s home, stroll through Faneuil Hall, see the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, pay your respects at the Bunker Hill Monument, and tour the nation’s oldest commissioned warship, the U.S.S. Constitution.     

3.     Independence Hall in Philadelphia - Here is where much of America’s history was crafted.   The Declaration of Independence was adopted here on July 4, 1776.  The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781.  And the U.S. Constitution was drafted here in 1787.  The National Park Service (www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall-1.htm) operates free guided tours of this iconic building.  Visitors are able to tour the very rooms our Founding Fathers gathered in and see period furnishings including the “Rising Sun” chair used by George Washington.  

4.     National Archives in Washington, D.C. – The nation’s most important documents are housed right here.  Visitors can view original copies of the Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.  Stunning murals depict the Founding Fathers.  An added bonus – visitors can view an original copy of the 1297 Magna Carta.    Free Admission; 700 Pennsylvania Ave.

5.     George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon was home to our nation’s first president.  The setting is idyllic, located on the bank of the Potomac River.  The history found here is immense.  Restored to its 1799 splendor, visitors can tour the very home George and Martha Washington lived in, walking through the very rooms the Washington’s did.  The guided Mansion Tour is a must, as is a visit to the Gardens and Pioneer Farm Site.    www.mountvernon.org/

Looking for more Great American Vacation Ideas?   Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!