8 Beautiful Historic Towns In Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been directly involved in some of the most landmark events in American history that helped shape the country into what it is today. Between British colonialism, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil War, the Keystone State is a rich tapestry of national heritage, preserving its diverse landmarks and sites across its expansive territory. Several of its small towns maintain enduring historic districts that bring back the past of the United States to life with their cobblestone streets and Victorian storefronts.

Bedford

This historic borough, situated about 100 miles outside the capital, boasts a rich military heritage intertwined with the Whiskey Rebellion of the 18th century. It maintains dozens of historic buildings throughout the Bedford Historic District, which is listed on the NRHP. Notable mentions include the Fort Bedford Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts chronicling the community's cultural, war, and developmental history. St. Thomas Catholic Church is another standout in the neighborhood, with a legacy dating back to 1817 when it was established.

Meanwhile, the National Museum of the American Coverlet presents a fascinating look into American traditional industry. This special museum showcases diverse coverlets woven in different sections of the nation between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Lititz

Since its founding by Moravians in the mid-18th century, Lititz has been a city of many firsts. It has a dynamic heritage preserved and interpreted by the Lititz Historical Foundation. This resourceful facility invites visitors to explore the community's chronology by sorting through an interactive archive collection. It also takes them on eye-opening tours of notable local landmarks, highlighted by the Johannes Mueller House. America's oldest girls' day and boarding school was founded in Lititz. Guests can visit the Linden Hall School for Girls and learn about its evolution since 1746.

Additionally, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery has maintained an enduring legacy since opening its doors to the public in 1861. The rustic brick establishment is the country's oldest pretzel bakery and continues preparing delicious snacks from age-old recipes.

New Hope

While New Hope is regionally recognized as an arts and culture mecca, this Bucks County town draws visitors with its rich history. It is home to the New Hope Village District, which houses over 200 vintage structures, some dating back to the 18th century. The Parry Mansion Museum is among the oldest, constructed in 1784. It sports a Georgian-style facade and exhibits furnishings and artifacts from different eras in the town. Furthermore, the 18th-century Bucks County Playhouse serves as the cultural hub. This former grist mill stages several theatrical performances throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and musicals.

Despite its modern-day luxuries, the Logan Inn is among the oldest continuously running inns in the county. This gorgeous building was built in 1727 and always delivers a rustic yet elegant accommodation experience for guests.

Bellefonte

The first settlers arrived in Bellefonte in the 18th century, which gives this Centre County borough a longstanding legacy. You can get a feel for this while examining the old buildings scattered across its downtown area, notably the Plaza Centre. This former theatre-turned-antique store was opened in 1925 and designed by the first female architect in Pennsylvania. The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society preserves the region's railroad heritage. It stores related relics, archives, and memorabilia inside an interactive venue designed to educate the public.

Meanwhile, the Bellefonte Museum of Art does an excellent job honoring the art community in Bellefonte. It exhibits beautiful art forms by dozens of local artists in a historic railroad building constructed in 1810.

Lewistown

Lewistown traces its origins to the late 18th century and takes pride in a rich Civil War heritage as a home to the Logan Guards. The downtown district is adorned with historic buildings, with the Mifflin County Historical Society being among the most conspicuous. It is one of the many places offering a glimpse of Lewistown in its old days. The McCoy House is among the most enduring structures in the area. It was built in the mid-1800s yet maintains its structural integrity and houses period furnishings and antiques.

Walking down Main Street Lewistown will bring you across the elegant Embassy Theatre. This rustic movie venue originates from the 1920s and remains a glowing example of theater architecture from the bygone eras.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg grabs headlines as one of the most historical towns in Pennsylvania, known for its unprecedented Civil War past. It played a landmark role during America's most iconic conflict when it hosted the Battle of Gettysburg, which turned out to be the bloodiest. Today, guests relive the war eras by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park. Before exploring the park, a Visitor Center and Museum provide first-timers with some background to the battle using an extensive selection of related artifacts. There is more to learn about America's war history at the Gettysburg Museum of History. Over 4,000 exhibits chronicle the country's major conflicts, from the Civil War to the World Wars.

Downtown Gettysburg is jam-packed with landmarks and presents a rich journey through time. One of its most notable treasures is the Dobbin House Tavern. This rustic inn is not just the oldest building in the town, but with a legacy dating back to 1776, it is the same age as America. Gettysburg also harbors unique presidential history at the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Uniontown

Uniontown was established in 1776 and has a colorful Underground Railroad heritage when residents hosted slaves escaping the South. The National Road Heritage Corridor cuts through the town, lined with historic gems that tell a unique story of the state's past. A good example is Searights Tollhouse, which was erected in 1835 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Uniontown is home to the State Theatre Center for the Arts. This well-maintained building was constructed in 1922 and serves as the local arts and culture hub, hosting concerts, films, musicals, and other stage performances.

Uniontown's rustic charm manifests through the many antique stores in its downtown district. This is an opportunity for visitors to get a memento of their historic time in the region, and you can stop by Yesterday's Today Antiques & Crafts to check out the treasures on offer.

Jim Thorpe

This Pocono Mountains community interests guests with its coal mining history and Victorian downtown, flanked by stunning old-world architecture. Jim Thorpe has a captivating heritage well-preserved by the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. The venue tells different stories about the town's evolution, including how it was named after a famous Native American athlete. A stroll through the urban square reveals gems like the Old Jail Museum. This 19th-century jailhouse exhibits old clothing, cells, and artifacts depicting Victorian life in the region from the standpoint of an inmate.

Another notable location for history enthusiasts is the Mauch Chunk Opera House. This notable cultural hub was designed by Addison Hutton and constructed in 1881. It is an excellent spot to watch engrossing live performances by the local art community.

Final Thought

Pennsylvania has more than enough history to explore on a month-long vacation. This is not limited to famous cities like Philadelphia but is scattered across the state, including its small and forgotten small towns. Despite being overlooked, these historical towns in Pennsylvania showcase a novel side of the state's history worth exploring. So, whether you are interested in Gettysburg's war history or New Hope's cultural heritage, you can look forward to a riveting through time.