On April 15, 2019, the burning of the Notre Dame Cathedral in France brought back to life the castle debate. Most commentators argued that the cathedral was among the few remaining signature castles, which isn't true? Castles exist in their hundreds!
While Europe has made a name for itself in the castles category, America too has a bunch of them and a storyline behind the structures. The following is a list of historic castles in the U.S. you need to see to believe.
8 Smithsonian Castle
America’s capital, Washington, is known for its unique buildings, most of which are more than a century old. The Smithsonian Castle is one of them. Constructed in the mid-19th century, this castle has a rich history, including incorporating the Norman style of architecture. Although it was constructed in the 19th century, its architectural presentation borrows a leaf from the 12th century. The red sandstone used in its construction makes it stand out in an area dominated by multiple ultramodern skyscrapers.
- Location: 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
7 Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is a typical representation of Hawaii’s rich history. Back then, Hawaii existed as a monarchy, and the palace served as a command center for the then king. By the end of the dynasty rule in 1893, the history of Hawaii was already written. The unique and strategic positioning of the Iolani Palace makes it one of the historic castles in the U.S. you need to see. Although the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the building was adopted by the government in 1978. But it was opened to the public as a museum. The vast history of this palace makes it a worthy inclusion in the list of unique American castles.
- Location: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
6 Bishop’s Place
Popularly known as the Walter Gresham House, the Bishops Palace is an architectural masterpiece found in Texas. Gresham was an attorney at the time of its construction, and it was to house him. The change of name was orchestrated in 1923 when the catholic Diocese of Galveston purchased it to house the local bishop. Since then, the castle has been named the Bishop's Palace. This castle is unique for its neatly sculpted exterior that incorporates sandstone, granite, and limestone for an elaborate look.
- Location: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
5 Castle Williams
Castle Williams is a public structure managed by the National Park Service. The government’s ownership of this building is one of the key indicators of its significance to the larger American society. Located in the New York harbor, Castle Williams is a unique building whose construction was informed by the need to protect New York from serious naval attacks at that time. Today, this castle is a national monument not because of its strategic position or circular design but the huge history it harbors.
- Location: New York, NY 10004, United States
4 Castillo De San Marcos
Situated in St. Augustine, Florida, Castillo De San Marcos is one of the historic castles in the U.S. you shouldn’t miss. This castle represents the toil and moil that created modern-day America. Castillo De San Marcos is America's oldest castle, whose structural integrity has still held up today. Also, there is a whole story behind this castle, and visiting the place in person will do adventurers some favor as far as the history of the American north is concerned.
- Location: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
3 Berkeley Springs Castle
Every castle in the American territory has a story to tell, and the Berkeley Springs Castle isn’t an exception. Most castles all over America were built to serve as command centers and prevent invasion by enemies, but the Berkeley Springs Castle has a different story. It is a story centered on love and can be best understood best through in-person visits to this unique structure. With the construction being done by Germans, this castle borrows a lot from the European designs while still incorporating ancient American elements.
- Location: 276 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, United States
2 The Breakers
Adopting the Neo Italian Renaissance architectural style, the breakers is a late 19th-century masterclass located in Rhode Island. Its 70-room capacity automatically qualifies it to the category of historic castles in the U.S. you need to see to believe. The history of this structure is loud enough for every Rhode Island adventurer to go out there and witness firsthand. Today, the castle is a famous museum, and its compound can be leased out for private events such as weddings.
- Location: 44 Ochre Point Ave Newport, RI 02840, United States
1 Knapp’s Castle
Named after the person who built it, Knapp’s Castle is a landmark structure located in California's Santa Ynez Mountains region. Barely 24 years after construction, the castle was destroyed by a forest fire, leaving behind unique ruins. The standalone ruins have made a name for Knapp’s Castle as one of the historic castles in the U.S.
- Location: El Camino Cielo. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States