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- These Are The Oldest Landmarks You Can Visit In The United States
Summary
- America's oldest landmarks, such as the Cahokia Mounds and Taos Pueblo, offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's rich history beyond traditional museums.
- These landmarks showcase the lives and civilizations of Native American tribes and early settlers, with well-preserved structures that date back to the 11th century or even earlier.
- Visitors can experience guided tours, educational events, and interpretative centers at these historic sites, immersing themselves in the whispers of the past and gaining a deeper understanding of what America once was.
When most people plan vacations, they seek out destinations that are new, fun, and exciting. When travelers think of "old" in terms of a getaway, they think of stopping at any one of the world's oldest museums. There is another way to visit historic or even ancient famous landmarks, however, and none of them require standing in line for museum admission.
America was founded centuries ago by forefathers who stood on the soil we also walk on, and many of their original buildings are still standing. Even older than that, the midwest was home to natives who called this country "home" long before any of us did, and some of their original structures are also still standing. These historic landmarks are only a few among the many open to the public, each surrounded by whispers of the past that still echo what this country once was.
UPDATE: 2023/11/20 19:35 EST BY MARIA BOU INK
These Are The Oldest Landmarks You Can Visit In The United States
The US is rich in history; American ancestors left interesting landmarks behind them. Therefore, this article was updated to include an additional one of the oldest places in the US to explore and have more knowledge about the past.
The History Of The Cahokia Mounds And Why You Should Visit This Great Native American City
To visit Cahokia Mounds is to take a step into the past, to a place that modern archeologists still don't fully understand.Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 700-1400 AD
Located right over the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is the biggest and most intricate archeological site north of Mexico. The most developed prehistoric native society lived here. It was inhabited between 700 and 1400 AD, and at its height in the middle of the 11th century, when it covered six square miles, it was said to have had up to 20,000 inhabitants. The town, which was inhabited by the Cahokia tribe in the 1600s, was quite complex, with thatched-roof houses encircling many plazas, according to excavations. Other finds have shown the presence of burial mounds, flat-topped temples, and religious symbols on copper, stones, and ceramics that show indications of sporadic human sacrifices. The public may get guided tours, educational events, and an interpretative center.
- Entrance fee: Free of charge. However, visitors are encouraged to donate $7 per adult, $2 per child, $5 per senior, and $15 per family.
Taos Pueblo, 1000 AD
Much of what are considered to be the oldest landmarks in America are those that were once used as housing. These homes served as the foundations for lives started here, and some have traversed time and the elements to be in displayable condition today. Taos Pueblo is one of those, and it's located in New Mexico. This group of homes consists of both residential and ceremonial buildings built by the Tiwa-speaking Native American tribe. The land has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 and is believed to be the oldest structure left in the US. The most amazing part? These buildings have been untouched since their construction.
- Entrance fee: $25 per adult and free for children ten years old or under
The Fairbanks House, 1637
Built by Jonathan Fairbanks, a Puritan settler, sometime during 1637 or just after, this timber-frame house is the oldest home in America. It's incredible to see such a house still standing and even more incredible to know that until it became a historical site in 1904, it was passed down through generations of the Fairbanks family. This historic site in Dedham, Massachusetts, is open to visitors with an adjoining museum.
- Entrance fee: $15 per adult, $8 per child, and $12 per senior
San Miguel Mission, 1610 AD
This Mission in New Mexico, which some know as the San Miguel Chapel, has been restored over the years but miraculously still claims its original walls. Even more miraculous is that the chapel is open for regular services, making it the oldest in the country and the oldest functioning chapel to date.
- Entrance fee: $8 per adult, $5 per child and youth (6 to 17 years old), $5 per senior (60 years old or more)
The Richard Sparrow House, 1640
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is saturated in history as it is, but the Richard Sparrow House, in particular, stands out against the rest. This is the oldest house in Plymouth and was constructed after Sparrow had been granted tracts of land for himself and his family. Eventually, the house would grow to sit on 13 acres of land before finally being added to the US National Register of Historic Places. Today, the house holds a museum and an art gallery that tourists can visit.
- Entrance fee: $2 per person
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde in Colorado is believed to be one of the most well-preserved archeological sites in the country, and it truly is a sight to behold. Home to 600 pueblo dwellings and Cliff Palace, which holds 150 rooms alone, this is a true treasure and a treat to see in person. The inhabitants of this land lived there during the 13th century. Visitors will learn about their history, way of life, and origins upon visiting one of the oldest national landmarks and hiking its scenic trails.
- Entrance fee: $15 per person, $30 or $20 per vehicle, and $25 or $15 per motorcycle, depending on the date of visit.