Historical preservation is an interest of many in America and the world at large. Whether it is a historic home around the corner or a UNESCO World Heritage site a few states over, the structures and the landscape are soaked with history that not only is worthy of preservation, but of continual exploration. Whether you’re looking for somewhere down South to visit on your next vacation or are seeking out a new place to live, you’ll find the 5 cities below to be excellent options with long histories.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
The city of Charleston is home to an endless array of historical properties, many of which are open for visitor tours. A city of cobblestone streets, iron gates, and deeply-rooted history, the city is a miraculous place, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway spot or a place to relocate your family to. Historical places of note include Fort Sumter, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Nathaniel Russell House, Aiken-Rhett House, and the Edmondston-Alston House.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
This historic, vibrant, and beloved city on the Mississippi River is a perfect place to immerse yourself in history. Historic sites of note include the Chalmette Battlefield, Basin Street Station, Lafayette Cemetery #1, St. Louis Cathedral, Longue Vue House and Gardens, and Preservation Hall. Amid the nonstop musical entertainment and delicious food merging French, African, and American cultures, New Orleans is the place to go for those looking for rich culture along with historical enrichment.
3. Madison, Georgia
Madison is known for being the town Sherman refused to burn down on his infamous march to the sea, as well as for its start as a stagecoach stop and an in-town residence for planters’ families. Principal streets were named for presidents and the community prided itself on its schools, literary, and philosophical societies. Some great historical sites to visit include Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage, which are all located in Madison’s gorgeous historic district.
4. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It forms the “Historic Triangle” together with Jamestown and Yorktown. Its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores and workshops. Historic sites to visit include the Jamestown Glass House, George Wythe House, and the recreation of the historic Jamestowne village.
5. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham was founded in 1871, during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period, through the merger of three pre-existing farm towns. The pace of Birmingham’s growth during the period from 1881 through 1920 earned its nicknames The Magic City and The Pittsburgh of the South. Much like Pittsburgh, Birmingham’s major industries were iron and steel production, plus a major component of the railroading industry, where rails and railroad cars were both manufactured in Birmingham. In the field of railroading, the two primary hubs of railroading in the Deep South were nearby Atlanta and Birmingham, beginning in the 1860s and continuing through to the present day.
These days, the city is an excellent place to live, which means you would benefit from checking out Birmingham homes for sale. Historical sites of note include the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Kelly Ingram Park, the Civil Rights District, and Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens.
