Explore American history on a trip to New England
For anyone hoping to discover a slice of US history, holidays in New England are fantastic. Famous for its colourful foliage and impressive cities, this state is also rich in historic sites perfect for punctuating any getaway with. Read our guide to find out which you shouldn't miss.
The Freedom Trail
One of the best places to get a feel for a little American history is Boston. Here, you can walk the famous Freedom Trail, which was laid out back in 1958. A 2.5-mile signposted walk, it takes you past 16 important local sites.
Among those you can see here is Faneuil Hall, which dates back to 1742 and is the city's original market building, and the oldest home in downtown Boston, Paul Revere House. You'll find the start point at Boston Common, which, having been created in 1640, holds the distinction of being the oldest park in the city. The trail is marked by a red brick line along the path, so it's very simple to follow.
Arlington Cemetery
Situated in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington Cemetery is a hugely important historic site. Its role as a graveyard for military veterans began in 1864 and it is still used in this capacity today, with the grounds spanning a vast 612 acres. A somewhat sombre addition to your itinerary, the cemetery is a fascinating and moving place to visit for anyone interested in the nation's conflicts.
Historic homes
A number of wonderful historic homes can be found in New England, and these are perfect places to get a feel for the country's past. Among the top homes to visit is Hildene, which is famous for housing several generations of the Lincoln family from 1905 to 1975.
The mansion was built in Manchester, Vermont in 1905 by former president Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, and today it is famed for being the property that has housed Lincoln descendants for the longest period of time. Today, you can take a self-guided tour around the building, as well as watch a short video about the house. If you decide to visit in the summer months, you'll have the chance to receive a guided tour.
In Waltham, Massachusetts is another fabulous property to explore. The Lyman Estate is a must for architecture aficionados, thanks to its status as a National Historic Landmark and its reputation as one of the best examples of 18th-century English naturalistic architectural design style in the US.
Its life began in 1793, and since then it has seen its fair share of changes. In 1882, it was altered to evoke a more Victorian style, before being remodelled in a Colonial Revival style approximately 30 years later. The grounds and greenhouses are equally impressive, so make sure you take the time to explore these during your visit.
If you are eager to see some more interesting architecture, pay a visit to Castle Tucker in Wicasset, Maine. One of the house's most charming elements is its striking position atop a hill, overlooking Sheepscot River - but the building itself is also fascinating.
Dating back to 1807, it is widely considered to be one of the state's best-preserved Victorian-era homes. It belonged to the Tucker family, who were prominent members of the shipping industry; exploring the site today, you can see possessions belonging to some three generations of Tuckers, which give a great insight into the family's day-to-day life.
