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Journey just isn’t all the time about visiting the very best seashores, partaking in wild adventures, and downing sundown cocktails. It can be a journey of studying and diving deep into tradition and historical past.
If you wish to study American historical past, then the very best place to do this is alongside the East Coast. It’s the place British explorers first landed on the shores of North Carolina in 1606, and the place main occasions in The American Revolutionary Conflict (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783) came about.
Should you’re planning a Revolutionary Conflict Street Journey alongside the East Coast, and unsure what websites to go to, then beneath is our full itinerary for a Revolutionary Conflict street journey.
Our household loved this street journey, which took us 3 weeks to finish. We beloved studying about what makes up the spirit of Individuals and visiting the locations and experiences that inform the story of the Revolutionary Conflict.
Ditch the textual content books, leap within the automotive and head to the areas alongside the east coast have been the story was born.
Map of this Revolutionary Conflict Street Journey Itinerary
That will help you plan your personal street journey of those Revolutionary Conflict websites, right here is an interactive map of the sights and locations talked about on this information.
Charleston, South Carolina
This street journey begins in Charleston in South Carolina, a quaint metropolis identified for being a significant web site of battle through the warfare for independence.
It’s house to Fort Sumter, the place the primary photographs of the Civil Conflict have been fired.
Right here, the Patriots fought laborious to defend Charleston from British troopers, culminating within the Siege of Charleston in 1780, probably the most vital defeats for the Continental Military.
You may tour the Previous Alternate and Provost Dungeon, the place British Military officers as soon as held prisoners and the place the Stamp Act was famously protested in 1765, a pivotal second main as much as the Revolution.
One of the vital vital historic websites is the Charles Towne Touchdown State Historic Web site, the place the primary everlasting English settlement within the Carolinas was established in 1670.
Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Protect, SC
After visiting Charleston, drive north to Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Protect, identified for being the grounds of The Battle of Camden, fought on August 16, 1780.
It was probably the most vital and disastrous defeats for the Continental Military within the warfare.
The location is now a preserved battlefield the place guests can discover the realm and study in regards to the pivotal conflict between American forces, led by Common Horatio Gates, and the British forces underneath Lord Cornwallis.
The American defeat at Camden set the stage for a shift in management inside the Continental Military and marked a low level within the warfare for the Patriots.
Should you’re lengthy on time and curiosity, it’s possible you’ll wish to detour two hours west to the Ninety-Six Nationwide Historic Web site, which is a part of the Southern Marketing campaign of the American Revolution Parks in South Carolina. The web site gives a glimpse into the Revolutionary Conflict historical past of the area, with well-preserved fortification, the positioning of the unique Ninety-Six Village, and academic reveals within the museum. Savannah and I visited on a street journey by means of the Previous 96 District and loved strolling the loop path by means of the positioning.
Cowpens Nationwide Battlefield, SC
One other battlefield in South Carolina to go to is Cowpens Nationwide Battlefield, the place the Battle of Cowpens was fought on January 17, 1781.
It marked a vital turning level within the Southern Marketing campaign, because the Continental Military, led by Brigadier Common Daniel Morgan, decisively defeated the British forces underneath Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton.
This was one of many nice American victories that tremendously weakened the British maintain on the South and set the stage for the eventual American triumph.
You may discover the well-preserved battlefield, the place interactive reveals and strolling trails present an in depth account of the battle’s ways, and go to the park’s customer middle to learn informative shows and marvel at reveals in regards to the battle, its leaders, and the strategic significance of the victory.
Kings Mountain Nationwide Army Park, SC
Only a brief drive away is Kings Mountain Nationwide Army Park, the place the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought on October 7, 1780.
The battle is legendary as a result of it came about on a rugged, wooded mountain, the place a gaggle of over 1,000 American frontiersmen, led by figures like Colonel William Campbell, decisively defeated a power of 1,100 Loyalists underneath Main Patrick Ferguson.
This victory was the primary main victory following a collection of defeats.
Stroll the well-preserved battlefield, the place a 1.5-mile path takes you up the mountain to key websites associated to the battle, and study extra in regards to the occasions on the Guests Middle.
Larger Williamsburg, Virginia
Visiting Larger Williamsburg in Virginia gave me a captivating perception into the beginning of america, a better understanding of the American tradition, and surprisingly sufficient, a greater understanding of my very own tradition.
It’s the right start line in your Revolutionary Conflict Street Journey and provides you with a deeper perception into life earlier than the Conflict of Independence, which result in the unrest and the ensuing trigger.
For a complete historical past lesson on America’s Enduring Story, I like to recommend spending a day at every of the next:
Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne
Jamestown Settlement is a residing historical past museum that tells that story of the English colonist establishing a everlasting English colony (and their many nearly failures).
Be taught in regards to the first settlement and Powhatan and her individuals’s wrestle to simply accept the overseas invaders.
Historic Jamestowne is the unique web site of the 1607 Fort and the place the place legendary figures John Smith, Pocahontas, John Rolfe and extra walked and helped write the beginnings of the USA.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the place the beliefs founding the Structure started to develop. It’s 18th Century Colonial Virginia introduced again to life with reside reenactments, midday day cannons, Patriots at Play video games and galvanizing speeches by George Washington.
The re-enactments and characters roaming the streets offer you a profound sense of the evolving American story and assist children perceive the concepts and values that crafted the world they reside in right this moment.
There are over 35 historic websites and 22 commerce websites in Colonial Williamsburg, together with the Capitol, the place the individuals’s representatives voted for Independence; the opulent Governor’s Palace; and dealing commerce retailers together with the apothecary, the shoemaker and extra.
Yorktown Battlefield and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
The Yorktown expertise is the place these hard-fought beliefs turned actuality.
Right here, you possibly can stroll the Yorktown battlegrounds the place the Individuals defeated the British, which in the end led to America’s Independence.
The interactive American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the nation’s founding from the twilight of the Colonial interval to the daybreak of the Structure. It helps you additional perceive difficult paperwork just like the Structure and the way it’s related to our present lives.
This fascinating studying expertise was in all probability the spotlight of my journey to the Larger Williamsburg space.
Monticello, Virginia
Monticello is a spot to go to get a glimpse into the lifetime of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of america and the writer of the Declaration of Independence.
Nestled atop a hill sits Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece, a house designed by him and reflecting his Enlightenment beliefs.
The property, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage web site, permits friends to discover the mansion which options Jefferson’s research, private belongings, and designs he created.
It’s also possible to study Jefferson’s advanced legacy—his function in shaping the nation’s early democratic beliefs alongside his possession of enslaved individuals, together with those that lived and labored at Monticello.
Washington D.C.
Though Washington, D.C. didn’t develop into the middle of American authorities till 1790, the U.S. capitol is house to varied monuments and artifacts of Revolutionary Conflict historical past, together with the Washington Monument and the Declaration of Independence.
You may study extra in regards to the authorities created due to the Revolutionary Conflict on the Capitol Constructing and White Home.
Close by is Mount Vernon, the house of George and Martha Washington, one of many heroes of the Revolutionary Story.
You may to see the place the previous basic and first President of america lived.
The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Move can prevent cash on excursions and sights in D.C. Be taught extra right here.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
One factor I like about planning a street journey round a theme, is you possibly can utlize the time and route so as to add in different thrilling experiences or locations that will not match the theme however move on by means of it.
Take into account taking a detour over to study in regards to the Civil Conflict historical past at Gettysburg, which is barely 2 hours from DC.
It’s a hauntingly religious place that tells the story of this nice battle and turning level within the Civil Conflict.
The city is finest identified for the Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, which turned a turning level within the warfare.
Whereas the battlefield itself is situated in Pennsylvania, the influence of the battle was felt all through the complete area.
Discover Gettysburg Nationwide Army Park, which encompasses a museum, a customer’s middle, and a battleground.
Be taught in regards to the methods, key figures like Common Robert E. Lee, Common George G. Meade, and President Abraham Lincoln, and the influence of the warfare on troopers and civilians alike.
See the positioning of the well-known Gettysburg Deal with, delivered by Lincoln in November 1863, and stroll by means of the hallowed grounds the place there have been greater than 50,000 Accomplice and Union casualties.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia in Pennsylvania is a crucial cease on the Revolutionary street journey as its the place america Structure was written and Declaration of Independence was signed within the Independence Corridor.
Philadelphia was the headquarters, if not the official capital, of the colonies through the American Revolutionary Conflict. Philadelphia’s Historic District, the birthplace of the nation and the primary World Heritage Metropolis within the U.S.
There are various historic websites in Philadelphia that tells the story of the warfare together with The Betsy Ross Home, Carpenter’s Corridor, Declaration Home and Museum of the American Revolution.
You may tour the Structure Middle, see the Liberty Bell, the well-known image of freedom for america through the Revolutionary Conflict and go to the positioning of Ben Franklin’s house and places of work.
About 40 minutes north west of Philadelphia is Valley Forge Historic Park, the positioning of the third winter encampment of the Continental Military through the American Revolutionary Conflict between December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.
Right here you’ll discover Washington’s Headquarters, a stone home on the Schuylkill River, which was occupied by George Washington.
The park comprises historic buildings, recreated encampment buildings, memorials, museums, and recreation services. It additionally has 26 miles (42 km) of mountain climbing and biking trails.
The Philadelphia Sightseeing Move can prevent cash on excursions and sights in Philadelphia. Be taught extra right here.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is certainly one of our favourite cities within the US for its European really feel and strong sporting tradition. It’s filled with historic experiences, particularly associated to the American Revolutionary Conflict.
Boston and the encircling areas have been the settings for varied vital occasions together with the Boston Bloodbath, the Boston Tea Get together, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. It’s also possible to go to Paul Revere’s Home and the Previous North Church, each vital Revolutionary landmarks.
Considered one of our favourite excursions within the USA (up to now) is the guided Freedom path strolling tour. We discovered so much in regards to the Founding Fathers, the Revolutionary Conflict and Independence by means of historic occasions and tales, many hilariously advised.
Boston is a metropolis of so many firsts, so remember to learn our put up beneath to find how one can expertise them! Whereas on the town, why not get pleasure from a Boston Purple Sox sport at Fenway Park, tour Harvard College eat at America’s oldest restaurant, the Union Oyster Home.
Lexington Battle Inexperienced
About 40 minutes north west of Boston is the Lexington Battle Inexperienced, correctly often known as Lexington Frequent, is the historic city widespread of Lexington, Massachusetts the place the opening photographs of the Battles of Lexington and Harmony have been fired on April 19, 1775
These have been the photographs that began the American Revolutionary Conflict. Now a public park, the widespread is a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
West Level & Saratoga
West Level is on the best way between Boston and New York, so if touring by means of right here in both route it might be value placing it in your record.
West Level is now house to the United States Army Academy.
In 1781, George Washington known as this space “crucial Publish in America,” through the Revolutionary Conflict. Holding West Level meant stopping the British from controlling the Hudson River and dividing the colonies in two.
It’s additionally the place of Benedict Arnold’s act of treason. The traitor agreed to assist the British seize West Level. His plot included capturing Washington whereas he dined with Arnold at West Level
So as to add in additional Revolutionary experiences and a 2 hour detour to your route between Boston and New York Metropolis is Saratoga.
Why this can be a useful street journey?
Historical past is the story that has helped create who we’re, what we imagine in, and exhibits us what we’re able to. It (hopefully) evokes us to observe within the footsteps of these earlier than us who created greatness, or, warns us to show again from the trail that creates the other.
One of the vital inspiring tales from America’s historical past is their struggle (and victory) for independence from Britain – one thing my very own nation is but to do.
Earlier than touring this Revolutionary Conflict street journey within the east, I by no means may fairly comprehend America’s rhetoric over “freedom and liberty” and fascination with warfare, and seemingly over-the-top patriotism.
Due to this journey, I understood these statements aren’t essentially made in ignorance of different international locations, however in celebration of how they arrived.
They imagine in freedom for all because it’s what drove them to create the life they’ve now, which is why they’re on the forefront of combating for others to have it (more often than not – the whole lot is usually!)
All of us journey with our personal approach of trying on the world. Many issues we encounter will appear unusual and we could also be judgmental or overly crucial of them.
As soon as we study the tales and why they’re so vital, we will higher perceive. Our perspective adjustments and we will join extra deeply to the tradition.
It’s additionally solely after we step exterior of ourselves (or our personal tradition) that we will look again and perceive ourselves higher. (Learn extra right here)
We included this in our finest street journeys within the USA record.
Remark: We’d love to listen to your recommendations on exploring the Revolutionary Conflict historical past on an East Coast USA street journey? Did we miss any stellar experiences? Are there different locations close by you’d suggest? Share beneath.
