History is all about perspective. On the global level, history tells the story of amorphous countries who battled, copied and conquered each other for thousands of years to become what they are today. Focus in on the U.S. and the countries become territories which fell in and out of the hands of foreign rulers until banding together to form a union of states. Focus closer still and you realize that within each of those states were cities that led the way, cities that to this day recall their place in American history with pride.
This is about those cities, well, some of them anyway. Here we'll look at popular travel destinations and how they earned their rightful place in the history of this country. At each stop we'll recommend historic attractions worth visiting as well as make lodging suggestions.
And don't worry, there won't be a quiz afterwards.
Boston, Massachusetts
A proper American history tour must of course start in Boston, because no city is deeper entrenched in the history of America as a fledgling nation reaching out for its identity. It is a city of firsts and a city of great unrest. Our first public school, Boston Latin School, and first institute of higher learning, Harvard University, were established in and around Boston. Meanwhile, Boston managed to find itself a part of many of the American Revolution's earliest events, including the Boston Massacre (a catalyst of the Revolution), the Boston Tea Party and the Siege of Boston which included the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. Notable Bostonians from early American history include John Addams, his son John Quincy Addams, telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Morse and many others.
Attractions: The Freedom Walking Trail is 2.5 miles longs and features 16 historic Boston landmarks including King's Chapel, the Latin School and the USS Constitution.
Hotels: Consider the
Embassy Suites Boston Logan Airport Hotel for something near the airport, or for
Boston hotels near downtown choose Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Another city with multiple ties to our military past, Charlotte was a hotbed of conflicting tensions in the run-up to the American Revolution. Despite being named for the wife of then British King George III, the political unrest that caused the Revolution could not be ignored in Charlotte, and once the war began the town became an encampment for both armies, earning it the nickname "The Hornet's Nest". Charlotte's presence in the very heat of the Revolution is today reflected around the city. Simply walk the streets and you'll see Independence Blvd., Freedom Park, Freedom Drive and many others. Since North Carolina was one of the northernmost Confederate states, Charlotte naturally played a large role during the American Civil War as well, contributing both troops and quarter to the Confederate army.
Attractions: Levine Museum of the New South, James K Polk Historic Site, Barbeque (as much apart of American heritage as anything else)
Hotels: For a convenient choice in
Charlotte hotels, consider the Doubletree Charlotte Airport Hotel.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Following the success of the American Revolution, citizens of this new nation were more eager than ever to move west. One of the earliest success stories of this risky expansion was Cincinnati, Ohio. Named for the Society of the Cincinnati, a group formed to preserve the history of American Revolutionary war patriots, and located on the verdant Ohio River, Cincinnati is considered America's first major inland city, and therefore, one of the first truly American cities. Built by proud Americans free from the colonial influence of Great Britain, Cincinnati is today recognized as one of the most historic cities in the country. Many years later, Cincinnati flourished again (relatively) during the Great Depression when the newly-inexpensive business of river trade resurfaced along the Ohio.
Attractions: John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, Harriet Beecher-Stowe House, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Coney Island
Hotels: Choose the
Embassy Suites Cincinnati-RiverCenter for Cincinnati hotels in downtown, or for a good selection among
Cincinnati hotels near the airport try Hilton Cincinnati Airport hotel.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The United States of America is often described as a melting pot, both ethnic and cultural, and few cities owe more to this fact than Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Settled by Canadian fur traders, named in the language of the Potawatomi Indians and later populated by an incredible influx of German, Polish, Italian, Irish, Jewish and Austrian immigrants, Milwaukee was the first inland city to truly reflect the burgeoning diversity of this swiftly growing nation. The Germans had the most profound effect on Milwaukee's destiny when they introduced beer and brewing to the area, something for which it is still well known even though most of the major breweries are no longer active. Milwaukee continues to celebrate its diversity with countless yearly festivals including Irish Fest, Festa Italiana and, of course, German Fest.
Attractions: Henry Maier Festival Park (weekly festivals), Pabst Brewery (closed, viewing only), Miller Brewing Company,
Hotels: You'll find relaxing accommodations at
Doubletree Milwaukee Hotel – Brookfield, one of the top Milwaukee hotels in Brookfield.
Cleveland, Ohio
Despite being founded only a few years after the immediately successful Cincinnati, Cleveland bided its time for decades, finally finding its niche in American history as one of the leaders of urban industrialization amongst central U.S. cities. Between 1870 and 1920, Cleveland became an industrial giant on the strength of its powerful car manufacturing plants for both steam cars and early electric cars, all of this despite considerable political turmoil. As it did with so many, the stock market crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression put a stop to this growth.
Attractions: Terminal Tower, Old Arcade, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
Hotels: For a top option in
Cleveland hotels, stay at the Embassy Suites Cleveland – Rockside.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi has existed in some fashion, and under various rule, for over three hundred years, but ever since joining the union in 1817 it has been one of the defining landmarks of a popular American pastime: beachfront getaways. Long before the supple sands of California were drawing the rich and famous out west, Biloxi, Mississippi was the capital of American luxury, and the vision of luxury presented in the city (ocean, plush hotels, sailboats) is stilled prized by many Americans to this day. Later, riverboat gambling took off in a big way, even while technically illegal. It was finally legalized in the 1990's, resulting in another great surge of area attention.
Attractions: Due to the lasting effects and lengthy reconstruction process following Hurricane Katrina, many museums and other historical exhibits are currently closed in Biloxi. Most casinos, however, are open and fully-operational.
Hotels: Get in on the American tradition with fine
Gulf Coast vacation rentals from the Ocean Club at Biloxi. Note: The Ocean Club is not a hotel; it provides temporary and permanent condominium rentals.
The history lesson could continue through over a hundred more vital American cities, each the proud site of an important piece of American history, but that's enough for now. Travel the U.S., and be sure to stop at all the places that made this country great.
