These Historic Towns in the Mid-Atlantic Are Worth Exploring
The Mid-Atlantic is a region of huge historical importance to the United States. Many of the states within this area are home to locations where the original British colonies settled and part of the 13 colonies. Explore the Mid-Atlantic via these seven small historic towns. See what sets these places apart and build knowledge of the best activities to discover next time you travel through the area. Whether it is pioneer villages, old-timey architecture, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone in the Mid-Atlantic worth exploring.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland, was once the capital of the United States for a short period of time in 1783. Now, this historic town of about 41,000 residents is the official capital of the state of Maryland. It is an amazing place for history buffs to explore, too.
Being on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Annapolis has always held a strategic importance. Located on the edge of town is the prestigious United States Royal Academy. If sea-faring history is still of interest to you, be sure to check out the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. For a look at some of the 18th-century architecture that once covered this town, give the historic William Paca House and Garden a visit.
Downtown Annapolis's Colonial Historic District can easily fill up a day with shopping, eating, and simply exploring on foot.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Founded in 1632, there is no doubt that there is much historical interest to be found in Williamsburg, Virginia. This quaint town of around 15,000 residents is known for its museums and landmarks dedicated to colonial life. The city itself is widely considered a living history museum.
To start your journey downtown at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center for a general overview of the history of this beautiful town. Just a short walk away is the Governor's Palace, a pre-revolution manor that has been elegantly preserved to this day. If you are interested in this type of architecture, you will want to visit the Capitol Building at the center of town, a historic site that can be walked around year-round.
For natural beauty on your visit to Williamsburg, be sure to check out the Busch Gardens Williamsburg, just a short drive south.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
For those who are interested in the Civil War, the name Gettysburg will ring a bell. This Pennsylvania town of just over 7,000 residents is home to some of the biggest battles of the devastating American Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
The Gettysburg Museum of History is a great place to start. Here, you can catch a glimpse of truly spectacular displays showcasing the town's rich history. Several historical markers surround the town. These include the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
For accommodations, the Gettysburg is a beautiful hotel conveniently located smack dab in the center of town.
New Castle, Delaware
Located right at the mouth of the Delaware River, New Castle, Delaware, has always held a strategic importance to the settlers of the Mid-Atlantic. Here, you can experience both the Dutch and the English heritages of the area with its various preserved buildings, museums, and historic parks.
The First State National Historical Park is an amazing spot for a stroll around old buildings. Be sure to see the courthouse museum within the park, too. If you want to continue your walk, extend your path toward New Castle Battery Park and soak in the view of the mighty Deleware River. A short drive south of town is another cool historic park, Fort Delaware State Park, which houses the epic Fort Delaware, a stone fortress built in the Civil War.
If you have children with you, the nearby Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Yet another iconic location in terms of historic Civil War destinations, Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, holds many surprises for anyone passing through this rugged area of the Appalachians. Located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, this small town has a registered National Historic District and also offers nature lovers many opportunities for activities in the areas surrounding it.
On the eastern edge of town, you can visit John Brown's Fort, a stronghold of the famous American abolitionist. Just south of the fort is Shenandoah Falls, a popular spot for landscape sight-seers dating back hundreds of years. For a bit more of a rigorous hike, there are many trails open in the surrounding hills. Historic landmarks like the Naval Battery Overlook or the location of Fort Duncan can be hiked to.
Chestertown, Maryland
Located on the Chester River right across the bay from Baltimore, Chestertown, Maryland, offers residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the coastal countryside while not being too far from the buzz of big city life. Once a leading port for the English colonies dating back to 1706, this town is full of historic gems.
A walk along the Chestertown Historic Waterfront is a great way to get a good view of the river that once helped transport most of the goods that arrived in the area from overseas. In the center of town is the Historical Society of Kent County, a museum where you can suppose many artifacts and displays relating to the colonial past of the county. The MassoniArt Gallery is highly recommended if you care to view some of the best examples of art made by local residents from both the present and past.
If you need a place to rest your head while stopping by, the John L Stam House is an example of an original building from the 1850s and a functioning hotel.
Staunton, Virginia
Tucked away in the serene Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, is a must-visit on your trip through the Mid-Atlantic Appalachians. Famous for its Victorian architecture and historic parks, it is worth spending at least a day or two to explore the town and the surrounding hills.
The Frontier Culture Museum is a pioneer village park with costumed staff and many displays of what frontier life was like at the time of Staunton's founding. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is open for tours of the former president's family home. Just around the corner from that is the Camera Heritage Museum, which provides visitors with a detailed look into history and art or photography.
Train enthusiasts will be delighted to set up their cameras at the Virginia Scenic Railway at the center of town. Here, you can hop onto regularly scheduled tourist train excursions on a multitude of different trains, modern and antique.
There are many historic Mid-Atlantic towns worth exploring. From Annapolis's colonial grandeur to Williamsburg's colonial experience and Staunton's Victorian elegance, these towns offer a journey through time. You may be walking the streets of Chestertown or standing amidst the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg; the past comes alive. These towns, with their meticulously preserved landmarks and vibrant commercial districts, call visitors to delve into the rich history of America's heritage, making each visit a fun stop on any road trip.
