Fly into Philadelphia for the start of your trip. The city is credited with being the birthplace of the United States; this is where the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. There’ s no shortage of history to soak up here— Independence National Historic Park should be at the top of your list. Crowned“ the most historic square mile in America,” here you’ ll explore Independence Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the Liberty Bell. Outside this cluster, Valley Forge National Historic Park is another highlight; travel back in time to the harrowing winter of 1777 in which the Continental Army persevered through one of its most trying periods.
Two and half hours south is the nation’ s capital, Washington D. C. For a place so full of museums, you’ ll find it’ s a lively city. The heart of it is the National Mall, home to a mind-boggling number of attractions— the National Museum of American History, the National Air & Space Museum, the National
Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Archives Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian, just to name a few— and most of them are free! Between these and the scores of monuments, the intricacies and nuances of our country evolving through the years start to click together, like a 10-million-piece jigsaw puzzle.
Another two and half hours south is the final stop of your road trip: Colonial Williamsburg. Here, the past is preserved in meticulous detail. The former state capital has become a living history museum, allowing you to seemingly timetravel back to 1701 just by walking down the street. The village is alive with the past: Reenactments of battles, courtroom trials and colonial tradecraft are all regular occurrences. The preservation, conservation and storytelling on display here is the perfect grand finale to a historic family road trip.
Can’ t-Miss Detour: BUSCH GARDENS
Between Washington D. C. and Colonial Williamsburg is the theme park Busch Gardens. Roller coasters don’ t have much to do with American history, but if the kids have been good, this is the exact sort of surprise treat that makes for an unforgettable memory.
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