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Mount Rushmore, South Dakota -

At Mount Rushmore, you’ll find the heads of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into stone. Tours are available and focus on how the vision of Mount Rushmore came to be.

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Montpelier, Virginia -

Montpelier was home to James Madison, the fourth US president. Here you’ll find over eight miles of hiking trails and a variety of tours. Slavery was once a huge part of Montpelier and the former plantation doesn’t hide this. Instead, it aims to tell stories of slavery’s impact on Virginia.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado -

The ancestral Pueblo people lived in the Mesa Verde National Park for over 700 years. Now a World Heritage Site, the national park celebrates the cultural heritage of tribes who have called this area their home.

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Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Georgia -

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia, showcases MLK's life with his childhood home, the church where he was baptized, and his final resting place. The park includes exhibits on King, Coretta Scott King, and Mahatma Gandhi, along with displays on the Civil Rights Movement at the visitor center.

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Mark Twain House and Museum, Connecticut -

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, authored iconic American works like 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' At the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, visitors can tour his historic home, watch a Ken Burns documentary on the author, and explore the museum.

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The Liberty Bell Center, Pennsylvania -

Philadelphia is home to the original state house Liberty Bell (and its famous crack). The Liberty Bell Center also features exhibits on the iconography of the bell, which has been featured on things like ice cream molds and stamps over the decades. 

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Kennedy Space Center, Florida -

If NASA and space are your thing, then visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is a must! This location serves as NASA’s primary launch center and is listed as one of the best things to do in Florida.

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Jamestown, Virginia -

English settlers in America established the first permanent English colony of the New World in 1607 in historic Jamestown near Williamsburg, Virginia. Today, the live history museum recreates the experiences of the colonists.

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Independence Hall, Pennsylvania -

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is where US history began, making it an important place to visit for any history enthusiast. Here, you can embark on a guided tour of the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were crafted.

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Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Michigan -

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, showcases the history of American transportation, featuring iconic exhibits like Henry Ford's first car, JFK's limo, and the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Car culture is central to the museum, with must-see displays including the Driving America exhibit and various historic vehicles

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Grand Canyon, Arizona -

For breathtaking views and a deep dive into American history, visit the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Explore the visitor's center, watch a 20-minute film, visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, and learn about Puebloan life at the Tusayan Ruin and Museum.

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Graceland, Tennessee -

Once the home of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, Graceland is now a tourist favorite in Memphis. Guests come from near and far to see his mansion and memorial.

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Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania -

Today, at this famous Pennsylvania battlefield, visitors can see Civil War historians giving demonstrations across the park from April to October. These live shows demonstrate how people from that time lived and fought.

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George Washington's Mount Vernon, Virginia -

Home to America’s first president, George Washington, this mansion and stunning grounds are prime locations for guests to visit today. Here you can learn about Washington’s history as a military general during the Revolutionary War.

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Fort Sumter, South Carolina -

The resounding first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter. Today, tourists can guide themselves or have ranger-led tours to learn about how slavery and sectionalism led to the Civil War.

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Fort McHenry National Monument, Maryland -

Without Fort McHenry, there would be no 'Star-Spangled Banner,' as the American flag raised here during the Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. Today, visitors can explore the Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, and even participate in raising replicas of the flag!

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Freedom Trail, Massachusetts -

The Freedom Trail in downtown Boston is a 2.5-mile (4-km) path showcasing numerous historical sites from early American history, including the Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, and the USS Constitution. Highlights also include the Granary and King's Chapel Burying Grounds, where notable figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere are buried.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, New York -

Opened in 1941, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York, is a must-see for anyone interested in FDR's presidency during the Great Depression, the New Deal, and World War II. Visitors can explore documents and self-guided exhibitions, and take a guided tour of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's home.

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Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C. -

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Ford’s Theater by John Wilkes Booth in 1865. A visit here will teach you about Lincoln’s presidency and the infamous act of violence that ended his life.

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Ellis Island, New York -

Between 1892 and 1924, more than 12 million immigrants entered the US via Ellis Island. Today, it is home to a museum showcasing the struggles and hopes of these immigrants. If you’re curious about your own family heritage, you can visit the American Family Immigration History Center on the island to learn more. 

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Disneyland, California -

Disneyland in California is considered to be the first-ever theme park and totally revolutionized the American amusement park industry. Today, there are still several of the original 1955 attractions, including the Disneyland Railroad and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

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Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia -

This experiential museum allows guests to live a day in the life of a colonial American. Employees dress in costumes and perform daily tasks like blacksmithing, sewing, and more. Here, you’ll also learn more about how America gained independence from Britain.

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César E. Chávez National Monument, California -

César E. Chávez was a Latino civil rights leader who founded the National Farm Workers Association (which later became the United Farm Workers labor union) and worked to improve the quality of life, compensation, and working conditions for all. Part of the Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz property, the monument honors Chávez’s life and work. 

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Bunker Hill Monument, Massachusetts -

Bunker Hill monument sits on Breed’s Hill, where the misnamed Battle of Bunker Hill took place. At this monument, you’ll learn more about why the British victory was such an impactful turning point in the Revolutionary War.

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Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Massachusetts -

 The museum tells the story of the events that occurred in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Objects from this era such as the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known remaining tea chest from the Boston Tea Party in 1773, are on display.

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Betsy Ross House, Pennsylvania -

According to lore, Betsy Ross created the first American flag. Despite the controversy over this claim, tourists still come to view her home, artifacts, and historical documents as well as take audio tours of the house.

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Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia -

Featuring over 400,000 graves of American soldiers, the Arlington Cemetery is known also as the burial place of famous presidents such as John F. Kennedy and Willliam Howard Taft. It’s also possible to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is where unidentified soldiers from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War are commemorated. 

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American Civil War Museum, Virginia -

This museum tries to showcase the Civil War from all sides of the battle, including from the eyes of women, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, and others in their popular exhibit, ‘A People’s Contest: Struggles for Nation and Freedom in the Civil War America.'

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Alcatraz Island, California -

The 22-acre island is only a 15-minute ride on the ferry from San Francisco, California. It’s home to a former fort and federal prison where you can learn about military history as well as the infamous escapes from Alcatraz. Fun fact: Alcatraz is said to be one of the most haunted places on Earth!

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The Alamo, Texas -

The Alamo is the most frequented tourist attraction in Texas. The site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, this landmark now offers guided tours for visitors. Guests can enjoy learning about the church and the Texas Revolution, as well as more about the famous Davey Crockett.

Sources: (Explore)

See also: Absolutely impressive mountain towns found in America

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