Best US Cities For History Buffs To Add To Their Bucket List

First and foremost, Boston, Massachusetts, is truly historical in itself. Founded in 1630, Boston is known as the birthplace of the American Revolution and The Athens of America, and it is not hard to see why. With the Freedom Trail, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the Paul Revere House, Boston Common, the USS Constitution, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and more, Beantown is easily among the top five destinations for history enthusiasts.

In addition to these iconic historical sites, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, and the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site in Boston are just a few more must-sees. Boston is also home to countless museums, vast libraries, 17th-century cemeteries, and several pubs dating back to as early as 1795. And even though Harvard University is located in Cambridge, visitors can easily access the oldest university in America, founded in the early 1630s, and check out all that this prestigious institution has to offer. So, if you have not already added Beantown to your list, do so and come marvel at the city that played a pivotal role in America's early years.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is not only the first World Heritage City in the U.S., but it is also full of archives, historical sites, and relics that are all about this country's interesting past. Of course, many visitors come for the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Christ Church Burial Ground, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and to enjoy an incredible night at the Walnut Street Theatre (America's oldest theater) — all are musts when in town, especially if you have not yet had the pleasure. But there is so much more to Philadelphia than this.

The official birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia was founded in 1682 and has renowned exhibitions, important artifacts, and rave-worthy collections at the Museum of The American Revolution, the Philadelphia History Museum, and the American Philosophical Society Museum. Plus, with the Old City Hall, the First and Second Banks of the United States, the Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth's Alley — just to name a few points of interest — The City of Brotherly Love is truly a historical adventure just waiting to happen. Other popular spots brimming with history here include Fairmount Water Works, Congress Hall, Fort Mifflin, Hill-Physick House, and the Dorrance Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts.

Salem, Massachusetts, is a hotbed for history and typically needs no introduction. With various points of interest, a diverse selection of museums, heritage trails and sites, plus Witch Trial reenactments, and more, Salem is a bewitchingly good time for every type of history buff. As the story goes, the town of Salem was settled by Roger Conant in 1626. Yet, over the years, Salem has had many names and was originally home to the Naumkeag tribe for thousands of years, well before the year 1626.

Of course, The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 put this U.S. city on the map for most people. So, here, diehard history fans can delve into Witch City, learn more about the Naumkeag tribe, and get a sense of the first settlers from Cape Ann. But that's not all — this magical place also has an abundance of colonial and maritime history, limitless lore, literary, film, and television history, haunted history, as well as pop culture. Therefore, even if you came for the witches, you will soon see that Salem's story is so much bigger than its witchy past.

Colonial history enthusiasts should absolutely have Williamsburg, Virginia (founded in 1699) on their lists. It is here that buffs will find Colonial Williamsburg. Touted as the nation's largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg transports visitors back in time to the 18th century. With over 300 acres of history brought to life, history buffs have the rare opportunity to explore full-scale replicas of shops, the Capitol, the Governor's Palace, the George Wythe House, the Courthouse, and three historic taverns — and that's just the beginning.

While exploring the past, Colonial Williamsburg visitors can gain a better understanding of 18th-century trades — blacksmithing, cabinetry, carpentry, farming, shoemaking, wig-making, gunsmithing, and more. Time travelers also have the opportunity to get a real sense of the climate during the Revolutionary War here. Plus, you can marvel at historical artwork, furnishing, firearms, antiques, and textiles at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and Bassett Hall. And after touring all the sights and spending a day in the life, you can opt to book the full experience and stay at the various 18th-century-style lodgings available in Colonial Williamsburg.

Lovers of long ago know that Chicago ranks high on the list of must-sees. In fact, incorporated in 1837, Chicago has a robust and diverse history. From railroads and telegraphs to grain elevators, wheat grading standards, meatpacking, and Prohibition, the Windy City dabbles in it all. History buffs who are especially fond of gangsters, the Industrial Revolution, speakeasies, the theater, and even the macabre will have no trouble exploring Chicago's unique past.

With the Pullman historic district, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Biograph Theater with its historic mob ties, Chi-town visitors will definitely have their work cut out for them in this history-rich destination. What's more, fans of dark tourism who happen to love all things history-related can check out the site of the 1929 St. Valentines Day Massacre, go on a guided excursion of Graceland Cemetery and Bohemian National Cemetery, and enjoy quite a few crime, gangster, and ghosts tours. That said, Chicago's past is not all gloom and fascinating doom — this city is overflowing with historic architecture, landmarks, museums, and more, so there is absolutely something for everyone.

The very first capital of the U.S. is undoubtedly steeped in yesteryear. With heritage sites everywhere you turn and then some, New York City is just one more great option for history buffs. From the legendary Trinity Church, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and St. Paul's Cathedral to the Grand Central Terminal, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, one thing is for sure, New York City is a historical jackpot.

Established in 1624, New York City has a museum for practically every era and interest. So whether it is natural history, art, finance, transportation, Jewish Heritage, science, immigration, innovative fashion, or simply the past that intrigues you, there is undoubtedly a museum for it in this grand city. Other must-see spots in the Big Apple include the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, Louis Armstrong House Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, Frances Tavern, and the Stone Stree Historical District, which is located in lower Manhattan.

Incorporated in 1773, Savannah, Georgia, is where travelers should head if they want to tour the country's largest National Historic Landmark District with a hearty side of some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. In Savannah's historic district, visitors can marvel at 18th and 19th-century buildings and houses, do some light shopping on River Street, plus bask in beautiful parks and picturesque outdoor spaces. Whether on a guided tour or on your own, exploring the Hostess City of the South, especially for history buffs, is essential.

Beyond this amazing district, Savannah visitors should also stop by some of the top sights here, such as the Bonaventure Cemetery, Factors Row and Factors Walk, the Telfair Academy, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, the First African Baptist Church, and the Congregation of Mickve Israel. Next up, a trip to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace should be on the itinerary as well, especially for former Girl Scouts. Saved from demolition, thanks to the efforts of the Girls Scouts, this historic home is now a living memorial to girl power. And if you happen to work up an appetite while traipsing through the past in Savannah, then make sure you grab a bite to eat at The Pirates House).

Not only does San Antonio, Texas, make the list of oldest cities in America, but it is also brimming with history — making it another mecca for lovers of the past. Touted as the place that predates the U.S. Constitution, this historic Texas town was founded in 1718. Home to the famous Alamo, San Antonio has no shortage of landmarks, heritage sites, or museums.

Notable spots in the Alamo City to check out then include the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, the San Fernando Cathedral, the Pearl District, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Witte Museum, the Majestic Theater, and of course, the Alamo. After touring the town, history buffs should also make it a point to enjoy all that the San Antonio River Walk has to offer. Ultimately, San Antonio and the other above-mentioned travel destinations are fantastic U.S. cities that will fill any history buff's heart with joy — so start updating that bucket list.