There are so many amazing historical sites around the globe that are essential stops for history enthusiasts, from Giza Plateau to Angkor Wat. Check out these 10 Historical Places Everyone Should Visit and prepare to be amazed.
Located in Shaanxi, China’s Terracotta Army is an iconic site depicting the armies of China’s first Emperor and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Every year millions of visitors come visit this renowned monument.
1. Terracotta Army in Shaanxi
Subterranean Armies of China’s First Unifier for Over 2 Millenia
The Terracotta Army was discovered by farmers digging near the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and first Emperor of Unified China, when farmers unearthed three pits containing thousands of life-size clay figures arranged in military formation. Pit 1 contains soldiers, archers, and chariot-riders and may have been placed to face invading Qin armies from the west; pits 2 and 3 contained special high-ranking army units.
2. Taj Mahal in Agra
The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments, is an exquisite white marble mausoleum constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and is often considered one of the seven wonders of the world. This romantic monument symbolizes love as one of its core messages – and remains an iconic icon today.
The Tomb of Akbar in Sikandra is another architectural landmark from this same era that can be found nearby the Taj Mahal. Surrounded by picturesque gardens that add beauty and peace, its beauty only increases over time.
Chini Ka Rauza, located close to Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, is the resting place of Shukrullah Shirazi Afzal Khan Allami a Persian poet and prime minister under Shah Jahan. This tomb is worth exploring due to its architecture and hand-laid glazed tiles; additionally it provides an option for viewing Taj in more tranquil setting without crowds of visitors.
3. Acoma in New Mexico
Acoma, more commonly known by its nickname Sky City, is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the US. Situated in New Mexico and perched upon an over 3,600-foot mesa, Acoma boasts its place as America’s oldest continuously occupied settlement.
Acoma people have lived on this mesa for over 1,000 years, using it as a defensive position against raiders. Oral history suggests it was chosen specifically as such a location.
During the Spanish conquest of 1598, tensions rose dramatically between Acoma and its colonizers. Acoma responded violently by attacking thirteen Spaniards including Juan de Onate’s nephew; this incident saw 13 lives lost.
The Acoma tribe continues to honor their heritage while adapting to modern ways of living. The Haa’ku Museum and Cultural Center – a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing traditional art forms and languages – hosts events throughout the year for tourists visiting Acoma territory.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park, renowned for its otherworldly geysers and hot springs. Housed within an immense supervolcano, its vast ecosystem contains half of all geothermal features worldwide and is home to wildlife such as bears, wolves, bison and elk – with Old Faithful being an absolute must when visiting Yellowstone – alongside Grand Prismatic Spring for some of the best photo ops possible!
Yellowstone National Park was founded as a national park in 1872, almost 20 years before Wyoming, Idaho and Montana became states. Covering 3,472 square miles across three states and receiving its name from yellow sandstone found along its riverbanks; most popularly associated with Samuel Hayden and his journey through this region in 1860s expeditions; this now-UNESCO World Heritage site now attracts millions each year to see this natural wonder!
5. Federal Hall in New York City
New York City offers so much, from unique cuisines to iconic architectural landmarks and celebrity sightings. But beyond all this glitz and glamor lies an impressive array of historical places for you to visit as well.
Prior to the nation’s capital being relocated from Philadelphia to Washington DC, Federal Hall was host to many significant historical events. On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated here and the Bill of Rights drafted. Additionally, Alexander Hamilton was inaugurated here and John Peter Zenger, a printer charged with publishing articles critical of government, stood trial there on charges of libel.
Greek Revival architecture is the oldest form of its type and should not be missed by history enthusiasts. Visitors to this stunning structure can see George Washington sworn into office, the original railing and balcony floor where he stood, as well as much more.
6. Plymouth in Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts is known for being home to many significant historical landmarks. Most notably it was the final landing site of the Pilgrims who left England seeking religious tolerance in 1620 CE.
Plymouth Colony was established when its founding settlers signed an agreement known as the Mayflower Compact that established rules and procedures for their new community. This historic document became the basis of democratic governance in America.
Visitors can tour Plimoth Plantation, which features a recreation of its original settlement, Plymouth Rock (where Mayflower Pilgrims first set foot in 1620) and Pilgrim Hall Museum, which holds numerous 17th-century treasures, such as William Bradford’s Bible, the cradle in which America’s first baby was born and Myles Standish’s daughter’s sampler embroideries embroidered by Myles Standish himself.
7. Philadelphia in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is well known for its rich history, from the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall (where both Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), American Revolutionary sites and fine art museums with works from painters like Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart and the four Peales.
Philadelphia was chosen as the country’s capital city to host both Continental Congresses, and later, the Constitutional Convention. After Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense achieved wide public acclaim, the Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain formally in 1776.
Philadelphia remains home to several historic districts, such as Southwark and Society Hill. These neighborhoods preserve the history of old Philadelphia with old houses and taverns still standing; even its downtown section contains more historic structures that have not been bulldozed than in New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
8. New York City in New York State
New York was an integral component of both the American Revolution and abolitionist movements, as well as its subsequent aftermath. Through economic development and immigration in the 19th century, New York saw itself transform into one of the United States’s major metropolitan centers – its Commissioner’s Plan establishing an orderly grid of streets while Croton Aqueduct brought clean drinking water directly into New York from Croton Falls.
The Tenement Museum on New York’s Lower East Side explores how immigrants helped form America’s national identity. Housed within an intact tenement building, this exhibit gives a sense of what life was like for working-class immigrants during that period of history.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an ideal location to witness military aircraft such as spy planes and missile submarines up close, along with Concorde SSTs and Lockheed A-12s – two of the fastest military jets.
9. Boston in Massachusetts
Boston boasts an illustrious past, playing an integral role in both World Wars. Notable events in its history include: Boston Tea Party; Battle of Bunker Hill and Siege of Boston.
Once independence was won, the economy experienced a shift toward clipper ships and textile manufacturing industries, while becoming an epicenter for abolitionist activism under Charles Sumner and William Lloyd Garrison’s guidance.
Faneuil Hall offers one of the best opportunities to see this history first-hand, featuring historic buildings that offer tours and colonial reenactments as well as its 221-foot Bunker Hill monument which commemorates an important battle from 1775. Also, Boston Old Burying Grounds are sure to delight history enthusiasts – the oldest gravestones here feature skulls and hourglasses which is sure to spark curiosity!
10. Yorktown in Virginia
Yorktown is known for both its waterfront charm and historic battles in Virginia. Enjoy exploring its historic district to browse boutique shops and 18th-century architecture; sample fresh seafood or artisan fare from one of its local restaurants; visit Watermen’s Museum to gain more insight into maritime culture in this part of Virginia; then learn about it all at Watermen’s Museum!
Launch your adventure along Colonial Parkway, connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown together as part of the Historic Triangle. Next stop should be Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center to watch a film about the Siege of Yorktown where American troops defeated British forces led by General Lord Charles Cornwallis at that site in 1781, providing American victory in what was ultimately considered one of the last major battlefields during the Revolutionary War. Nearby Somerwell House offers another excellent example of colonial architecture.
