Historic Parks of the American Revolution

America’s history is well preserved in what were the original 13 colonies. Dozens of sites across the Northeast mark our American Revolution, and here are four of our favorites.

Colonial National Historic Park, Yorktown, Va.

This historic park is great for colonial history buffs, containing several places important to Virginia history. One of the sites is where the first English settlers landed before the founding of Jamestown, but the most exciting place is the battlefield of Yorktown, where the Continental Army finally defeated the British in 1781.

Independence National Historic Park, Philadelphia, Pa.

Philadelphia’s great because of how the modern city grew into its historic roots. Independence National Historic Park is located in Old City and Society Hill, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed at the Second Continental Congress at Independence Hall. Visitors can also see Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court and the National Constitution Center.

Minute Man National Historic Park, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, Mass.

Minute Man is located around three Massachusetts towns, which saw the opening skirmishes of the Revolutionary War. There’s also a monument commemorating Paul Revere’s capture during his famed midnight ride.

Washington Crossing Historic Park, Pennsylvania

It’s not the biggest park, but Washington Crossing is historically significant for the Battle of Trenton. George Washington chose to cross the Delaware on Christmas for a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers, winning a decisive victory and marking a turning point in the war.