These Historic Towns in Northern United States Are Worth Exploring
The northern United States consists of 21 states, designated as the Union during the Civil War. Many states border the Great Lakes or Canada, and the topography comprises mountain ranges like the Adirondacks, freshwater lakes including the Great Lakes, and forests.
Some states, like Pennsylvania, are steeped in Civil War history, while others, like New York, are immersed in historical trade routes like the Erie Canal. The following historic towns offer glimpses into the past, along with historic sites that are worth exploring.
Hudson, New York
Hudson, New York, has an amazing collection of 18th- 20th-century homes, leading many to declare it a virtual dictionary of American architecture. It also has the distinction of being the first city in the United States, after the original 13 colonies, and in 1797, fell one vote short of becoming the capital of New York. The town saw tremendous growth from its inception, including whaling until the mid-19th century.
Today, Hudson is a lively, artistic town with a friendly community. The town claims to be upstate New York's favorite downtown, and it is easy to see why. Heading down Warren Street, you will notice the steeple of the First Presbyterian Church as a waypoint. Along your journey, explore the Olana State Historic Site, the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, and the historic homes of the Proprietors, the town's founders.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is full of American history, including the tragedies during the Civil War. The three-day battle of Gettysburg occurred in 1863 and was a turning point of the war, commemorated at the Gettysburg National Military Park. Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg speech in 1863, and the site is preserved with a memorial inside the National Cemetery.
Other historical sites include the Jennie Wade House, authentically furnished from the Civil War era, and the Dobbin House Tavern. This 1776 home is the oldest building in Gettysburg.
Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is a quaint town with well-preserved 19th-century buildings like the 1826 Dowling House, the oldest in the town. The limestone structure is reminiscent of when Galena was the world's leading mining capital, and the home was also the only trading post in town. It was also the home of several Civil War Generals like Ulysses Grant. His former home is now a museum, and the US Grant Home Site is a museum.
The Old Market House, erected in 1845, served as the town market for 65 years and is available to visit today.
Bath, Maine
Bath, Maine, is a historic maritime community dating back to 1607. The first ship of the new world was built here, and today, the Bath Iron Works, founded in 1884, is still in operation. The maritime history has been preserved at the Maine Maritime Museum through artifacts and gallery exhibits.
There are also guided Walking Tours of the historic homes and self-guided tours focused on the historic architecture. Discover this seafaring town's history, including Bath Heritage Day every July 4th.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island, Michigan, is on Lake Huron. The historic centerpiece is Fort Mackinac, built in 1780 and comprises several military buildings behind clustered walls. The entire island is a registered historic landmark, and the way to explore the island is by horse and carriage or bicycle, as no cars are allowed. The Beaumont Memorial was erected in honor of a surgeon who served at the fort, William Beaumont, who came to prominence when he made discoveries regarding digestion.
Another historical site is the Stuart House, built in 1817 and has been converted into a museum. The Victorian-style Grand Hotel was built in 1887 and gives visitors a real sense of the history that makes up Mackinac Island. The military and economic importance of the island waned in the 1920s, and fudge became the predominant export. What makes Mackinac Island special is the historical changes made throughout the centuries that it continues to celebrate today.
Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts, is considered the birthplace of the nation. The first battle of the Revolutionary War (The War for Independence) was held here on April 19, 1775. The famous "shot heard around the world" and a key battle took place at the North Bridge, and there is a Minute Man statue commemorating the historical event.
Concord has a rich literary history as well. Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted "Nature" at The Old Manse, now a historical landmark. Other literary figures who composed famous works here include Henry David Thoreau and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The presence of these notable figures is still prominent today, with artifacts and historic homes available to visit.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, was founded in 1639 and is world-renowned for its mansions. The Gilded Age of the 19th-century brought wealth and prestige to the town as leaders of finance and "summer homes" for the rich were built. Notable mansions to explore are the Marble House, The Breakers, The Elms, and Rosecliff.
In 1945, the Preservation Society of Newport County was created to save the Hunter House, a 200-year-old Georgian mansion. Three years later, the historical society started hosting paid tours to raise the money needed to preserve the mansion. The "city by the sea" is famous for its sailing history and hosted the America's Cup from 1930 to 2003.
The United States of America has a fascinating history, and the Northern US is steeped in it like no other part of the country. Towns like Gettysburg have hosted some of the most epic battles this country has ever witnessed, and the town has preserved these battles so people can witness what life was like during the Colonial era.
While most of these towns contributed to history during the Civil War, other American histories exist. The maritime history of Maine helped the early settlers forge a path through the New World, and artifacts and documents still exist today. These historic towns share a commonality of historical preservation that allows people to explore the birth of America.
