July 4th is a great time to take a look at some of my favorite patriotic historical sites. It’s important for kids to see these places that were so pivotal to our nation’s founding and continued success. When you stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed or view the battlefields where our fractured nation came back together, it makes your heart swell with pride for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. We are so blessed to live in the USA.
Favorite Patriotic Historical Sites
Of course, our nation’s capital is THE place to see our important founding documents, the hallowed halls of government, and monuments and memorials to honor the soldiers who protect our freedoms. As you stand on the Lincoln Memorial, view the Declaration at the National Archives, or visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, you will feel the emotion of our almost 250 years of history as the world leader in democracy and freedom.
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You can be in the “room where it happened” in Independence Hall as you imagine the debates and arguments that swirled around the Declaration and the Constitution. Across the street is the revered Liberty Bell that kids love to see. If you have time, add in the fantastic next-door Museum of the American Revolution.
Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Follow the bricks in the sidewalk to sixteen historical sites pivotal to the American Revolution including the Old North Church and the USS Constitution. Step off the trail to see the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum where your kids can actually throw tea into the harbor like the patriots! If you have time, schedule a trip to nearby Lexington and Concord to see where the Revolution began.
Historic Triangle, Williamsburg, Virginia
From the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown to the seat of colonial government in Colonial Williamsburg to the site of victory in the American Revolution at Yorktown, the Historic Triangle is a great way to see many aspects of our nation’s early history. Your kids will love the fife-playing marching bands and the chance to shoot a Revolutionary War-era musket!
Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond, Virginia
Sit in the pews as Patrick Henry recites his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech during the weekly summer reenactments. We are going to the special July 4th production, and I just know it will give me chills!
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Seeing the rolling hills of this former American Revolution army encampment, you can imagine the beleaguered Continental army struggling to get warm or have enough to eat. It brings to life the true sacrifice that these men (and women!) made for freedom.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Visiting this town where a Confederate invasion of the North was stopped is a must-see for all Americans. The solemn cemetery is a reminder of the men who gave their lives here to save the Union and end slavery.
This is one of the most emotional historical sites I’ve visited. To see the oil still leaking from a ship sunk in the depths of the harbor is powerful. It truly was a day that “lives in infamy” and should never be forgotten.
D-Day Sites in America and Europe
Whether it’s the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia or the beaches of Normandy, France, these sites will make you proud to be an American. We can never thank the Greatest Generation enough for saving the world from evil.
Military Museums
Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, National Museum of the United States Army, National Museum of the United States Air Force, or the National Museum of the US Navy to learn about our country’s dedicated armed forces. It’s a great way to study history while also honoring those who have served.
Top Wish-list Patriotic Historical Sites
I still have several patriotic historical sites that I want to visit. Here are the top ones on my to-visit list!
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
This is top of my list! As a presidential history buff, I have to see this soon!
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland
I’ve been to Baltimore many times and even sailed around the harbor but haven’t visited the actual fort made famous by Francis Scott Key’s poem-turned-national anthem.
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
I’d love to visit the site to “Remember the Alamo!” Hopefully I’ll get there while my son is in college in Texas!
Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
Lady Liberty is a beacon to all of the “huddled masses” who got their first glimpse of freedom by viewing her torch as their ship sailed into New York Harbor. With the statue now reopened with a new museum, I need to revisit! I’ve sailed around it and seen it many times but have never been to the top!
National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri
WWI is the forgotten war in America, so I’d love to visit this moving museum to learn more about it. I’ve read about it from a European perspective but would love to learn more about our country’s involvement.
Which places are on your must-visit list for July 4th? It’s a great time to (re)visit your local patriotic historic site and remember how lucky we are to live in the land of the free.
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