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A selection of historical sites
Mesa Verde National Park, southwestern Colorado - A showcase of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, this World Heritage Site is one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in America. It offers excellent examples of almost every stage of Ancestral Puebloan development - the single-family subterranean pithouses of A.D. 500, the mesa-top apartment-style pueblos built between 750 and 1100, and the sprawling cliff cities constructed during the late 1200s. European Colonization Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg historical region, Williamsburg vicinity, Virginia, about 2-1/2 hours by car from Washington DC. This region is representative of two chapters in U.S. history: European Colonization and the Road to Independence. Several places are must-sees: Historic Jamestowne, which is the site of the first successful English colony in America; Jamestown Settlement, an exceptional re-creation of the original village; Colonial Williamsburg, which has more than 500 historical buildings and many living history programs; Yorktown Battlefield, where the British surrendered during America’s fight for independence; and Yorktown Victory Center, a comprehensive look at colonial soldiers of war and their return to civilian life. Religious & Secular Groups Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 2-1/2 hours by car from Boston. Situated in the scenic Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, this historic religious settlement was considered the center of Shaker authority in America from 1787 until 1947. Today, it is a 1,200-acre living history museum that offers terrific insight into the Shakers and their contributions to the broader American society. In addition to 20 original buildings, an historic working farm and an heirloom garden, you can enjoy a number of hands-on activities and first-person portrayals of Shakers from the past. Road to Independence Boston National Historical Park, Boston, Massachusetts. This city blazed a trail through American history, from colonialism to independence, and it played a pivotal role in the formation of our national ideals about freedom of speech, religion, government and self-determination. Today, many of Boston’s historic buildings welcome visitors. Take the 2-1/2 mile red-line walking path through downtown. Markers identify historic stops. Be sure to visit the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church and USS Constitution (a Navy frigate nicknamed “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812). Special programs include first-person re-enactments Our New Nation Mount Vernon, in northern Virginia or Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia. We can’t decide which is a better choice: George Washington’s home and farming operations or Thomas Jefferson’s more elegant estate and gardens. Both provide fascinating perspective about the man behind the presidency, both have very interesting guided and self-guided tours, and both have important related sites nearby. Mount Vernon recently added an exceptional museum and education center. Monticello has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You’ll need a day for each. They’re only 2-1/2 hours apart; so if you can take the time, see them both. Opening the West Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota. Strategically positioned at the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, Fort Snelling was built in the 1820s in a time and place demanding great courage. The fort’s purpose was to protect law-abiding citizens, deny non-Americans commercial use of the rivers and prevent white encroachment on Indian lands ahead of government treaties. Today within the walls of this remarkable restoration, living history travelers can see a vivid picture of the lifestyle of soldiers, officers, domestics, tradesmen, fur traders and Indians who once lived in the region. All of the personnel - from the Commander, to the soldiers, to the laundress - are in character, portraying people and events of the past. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, western Colorado near La Junta. The Santa Fe Trail emerged in 1821 as a commercial highway between Missouri and New Mexico and after the Mexican War (1846-1848) became a national road connecting America to its newest territories. On this vital route, Bent’s Old Fort was the only sizable, permanent, white settlement for 16 years. Today’s authentic reconstruction is based on original sketches, paintings and diaries from the period as well as archaeological excavations. All of the animals are historically accurate, including the Spanish Barb horses, oxen, peacocks, Dominique chickens and mule. In addition, living history demonstrations are presented on weekends and during special events. | |||
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