America is full of historic towns, but these 18 historic towns will make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. Their rich architectural and cultural histories have been well-preserved, giving visitors a sense of what life was like in different periods over the past few centuries.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
This historic town in Jefferson County has a population of less than 300 and is known for its 1859 abolitionist raid on its armory and its strategic importance during the Civil War. West Virginia Tourism notes the “quaint 19th-century town is designated a National Historic District by the National Register.”
Deadwood, South Dakota
Overlooked by Mount Moriah, Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark District celebrated for its Gold-Rush era architecture. The town experienced a gold rush from 1876 to 1879 and attracted many famous Old West legends, including Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and Seth Bullock.
Williamsburg, Virginia
This small town was founded by English settlers in 1632. Tourists can explore Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where actors depict daily colonial life, and visit nearby Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is famous for its local ordinance passed in 1895 prohibiting cars on the island apart from emergency vehicles. Visit the USA writes to visitors wanting to explore the island, saying, “Hop on a horse-and-carriage ride, rent a bicycle, and use your own two feet.”
Bisbee, Arizona
According to Visit Arizona, “Bisbee has transformed from a booming mining town to a hippie haven to an arts and culture community—over only the past century or so.” The town offers visitors a tour of the historic Queen Mine and vibrant art galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos has a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo culture in its art, architecture, and cuisine and is home to the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town sits in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with excellent snowboarding and skiing opportunities in the winter.
Galena, Illinois
Visitors to Galena will enjoy its 19th-century charm, with well-preserved historic buildings that house shops and eateries lining Main Street. They can also tour the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, which remains much as it was in the 1860s.
Solvang, California
“The Danish Capital of America” offers visitors a slice of Denmark in California, complete with Danish architecture, windmills, and bakeries serving authentic pastries. The Los Angeles Times recommends visiting the Good Seed Coffee Boutique, the Landsby, and the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.
Bath, Maine
The “City of Ships” has a rich maritime history, with sailing ships built in its shipyards since 1743. The city is home to the annual Heritage Days Festival, held on the Fourth of July weekend, and the Bath Iron Works.
Cumberland Gap, Tennessee
This town is located below a historic mountain pass, the Cumberland Gap, a key passageway used by early American pioneers heading west, and is inside the boundaries of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Visitors can explore the remnants of early American settlements and learn about the lives of pioneers in the Appalachian Mountains.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs.com notes, “Although this Ozark town is known today for its incredible Victorian architecture, arts, antiques, and natural beauty, the original attraction was the water.” The natural springs were thought to have healing properties, attracting visitors from across the country.
Cooperstown, New York
Visitors to Cooperstown can visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the legends and history of America’s pastime. The charming village maintains its 19th-century ambiance, complete with historic homes and buildings.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe has stunning views and a rich coal mining and railroading history. The beautifully preserved Victorian buildings that make up its historic district notably include the Asa Packer Mansion, the home of the former railroad magnate and founder of Lehigh University.
Madison, Georgia
Madison is one of the South’s most picturesque towns, famed for almost 100 well-preserved Antebellum buildings. The town was voted as one of Budget Travel’s 16 most picturesque villages in the world in 2012.
Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains offers visitors authentic German architecture, festivals, and cuisine. The town is known for its famous Oktoberfest, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festival and offers snowboarding and skiing in the winter.
Cape May, New Jersey
This seaside resort is known for its stunning Victorian architecture and status as a National Historic Landmark. Cape May offers visitors beautiful beaches and exceptional bird-watching opportunities, especially during migration season.
St. Augustine, Florida
Established in 1656 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is America’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlement. Visit St. Augustine boasts that its “unique scenery and history set this city apart from any other in the country.” Tourists can visit the oldest masonry fort in continental America, Castillo de San Marcos, and stroll through the historic district.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
This historic city was built by French colonists in 1719 and was a key Confederate river port during the Civil War. Visitors can tour its numerous Antebellum homes, many of which offer historical reenactments.
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