These Small Towns in New England Have the Best Historic Districts
Located in the Northeastern United States, New England is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and charming towns. The region is made up of six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Dating back to English settlements from the 1600s, New England boasts a history older than the United States, which was founded on July 4, 1776.
Due to the region’s history, there are several New England towns that offer a glimpse into America’s past. Visitors can stand on the hallowed grounds where shots were first fired in the American Revolutionary War in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, as well as explore a research submarine from the 1900s in the coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Regardless of what era of American history travelers wish to explore, New England offers a wealth of experiences that brings the nation’s past to life. Let’s take a look at seven small towns in New England that have the best historic districts.
Lexington, Massachusetts
Lexington, Massachusetts, is known as the “Birthplace of American Liberty” since the American Revolutionary War began at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. For those who want to relive history, a tour of the Lexington Battle Green provides history buffs the chance to walk where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired on April 19, 1775. The tour includes viewing the historic Henry H. Kitson Minutemen Statue, the Revolutionary War Monument from 1799, and the Old Belfry, which called the militia to the Battle Green.
The town is also home to the historic Old Burying Ground, where Captain John Parker, John Hancock, and Jonas Clarke are buried. For those looking for a unique tour, hop on the Liberty Ride Trolley. The 90-minute tour provides guests a look at life in Colonial America from guides dressed in authentic colonial outfits.
Concord, Massachusetts
The picturesque town of Concord, Massachusetts, was settled in 1635 and is well-known for its literary history and role in the American Revolution. Concord is often considered the “Birthplace of the Nation” since it was part of the first American Revolutionary War battle. The town is home to the Old North Bridge, where fighting between the Colonial Militia and British lasted only a few seconds on April 19, 1775, before the British retreated back to Boston. History enthusiasts can view the rebuilt bridge today that crossed the Concord River.
Concord also has a rich literary history since several famous authors, such as Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, lived in the charming town. Another notable author from Concord is Louisa May Alcott, who wrote Little Women at the town’s Orchard House. Built in 1650, literary and history enthusiasts can tour the house on a historic trip to Concord.
Newport, Rhode Island
Settled by the English in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island’s coastal location played an important role in American history. In 1741, the Artillery Company of Newport was chartered by King George II of Great Britain. Visitors can learn more about the unit’s history and American history at the The Artillery Company Of Newport Museum. The museum houses bronze cannons that were cast by Paul Revere in 1798. The town also played an important role in the American Revolutionary War. The British occupied the town from 1776 to 1779, and travelers can learn about the war at the Museum of Newport History.
Newport is also famous for its Gilded Age Newport Mansions. Built from 1870 to 1910, visitors can tour a few of the mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House, both of which are Vanderbilt family estates.
Mystic, Connecticut
Located along the Mystic River, the coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut, has a rich maritime history. Settled in 1654, Mystic became a shipbuilding seaport town. The town’s maritime history comes to life at the Mystic Seaport Museum, where a 19th-century coastal village is recreated. Visitors can view blacksmiths and shipwrights working in the village, as well as explore the world’s last wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan.
Mystic also has a vibrant arts community and a rich art history. In 1913, the Mystic Museum of Art was founded as an artist colony. Today, art lovers can view museum exhibits by American artists, including those who lived in Connecticut, such as painter Robert Brackman and illustrator Beatrice Cuming. For both cinephiles and pizza lovers, a trip to the town is not complete without visiting Mystic Pizza. The restaurant became famous thanks to the 1988 movie, Mystic Pizza.
York, Maine
As one of the oldest English settlements in the United States, York, Maine, offers visitors picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean along the town's historical landmarks. Since the town was settled in 1624, the Old York Historical Society offers history buffs a glimpse of life from hundreds of years ago. Visitors can view the Remick Gallery, which houses items from southern Maine that were used as early as 1690. The site is also home to Jefferds Tavern, a colonial tavern built in 1750, and York Corner Schoolhouse. Built in 1745, the schoolhouse is one of the earliest surviving 18th-century schoolhouses from New England.
Located along the coast, York is also known for its maritime history. One of the town's landmarks is Nubble Lighthouse, which was built in 1879 on a small, off-shore island of York. Visitors enjoy stunning views of the scenic lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean from the town’s seaside Sohier Park.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Located along the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was established in 1623 as a seaport town. History buffs can learn more about the town’s maritime and colonial history on a historic cruise tour from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. For a unique look at the town’s maritime history, visitors can climb aboard and explore the USS Albacore. The research submarine was built by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and ran tests from 1953 to 1972.
For those who wish to stay on land, the Strawberry Bank Museum brings the town’s history to life. Guests can tour several historic homes on site, including the Abbott House & Store built in 1720, the William Pitt Tavern from 1766, and the Federal style Goodwin Mansion, circa 1811. Another great way to experience the history of New Hampshire is on the Black Heritage Trail, a walking tour that shares the history of African Americans in the area.
Bennington, Vermont
Situated in southwest Vermont is the historic town of Bennington. Founded in 1749 as the state’s first town, Bennington has served an important role in American history. The town was the site of the Battle of Bennington in the American Revolutionary War on August 16, 1777. The American forces, led by General John Stark, defeated the British at this key battle. History buffs can visit the Bennington Battle Monument to explore exhibits about the battle and view the charming town in the observation deck.
The monument is also part of the Old Bennington Historic District, which is made up of 27 historic sites and buildings. Visitors can take a walking tour of the historic district and view the sites, including the Jedidiah Dewey House. Built in 1763, the house remains one of the oldest frame buildings in Vermont.
The Birthplace of America
These small towns in New England share the stories and the history of the founding of the United States. From the Battle of Bennington that played a key role in the American Revolutionary War to the literary giants that came from Concord, Massachusetts, these historic New England towns offer unique glimpses into America’s past. The historic monuments, well-preserved buildings, and museums in these New England towns allow visitors to step back in town and discover the history of America.
