Historic U.S. Towns You May Not Know

Many of our clients are planning road trips around the U.S. For those interested in historic towns,  there are many to choose from. Some like St. Augustine, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are well known. On the other hand, some are not as well known. Here we list our top 5 lesser known historic U.S. towns.

Columbia, California

Columbia was once the second largest city in the state of California. Located in the foothills of the Sierra mountains, it is known for having the Columbia State Historic Park, the largest collection of existing gold-rush structures in the state. In fact, Columbia was known as the “Gem of the District of Southern Mines”. It was also the site of the first Cinco de Mayo in 1862. Columbia is also close to two other historic U.S. towns, Sonora and Jamestown.

New Castle, Delaware

Located 6 miles south of Wilmington, this town on the Delaware River was settled under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant in 1651. Over the years, it was under Swedish, Dutch, and English control and its architecture shows those influences. Its historic district which is 4 by 5 blocks in size is filled with historic buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries.  Some of the most notable ones are the Amstel House, the Old New Castle County Court House and the Sheriff’s House. Movie fans will be interested to know that handsome Ryan Phillipe was born and raised in New Castle.

Stillwater, Minnesota

Stillwater is known as the Birthplace of Minnesota. It is on the St. Croix River and part of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. It was originally known for its mills that were of significance to the lumber industry. It also held the first territorial convention that started the process of Minnesota becoming a state. Movie fans will recognize the town as one of the locations for the movie “Fargo”. Oscar winning actress Jessica Lange, also used to live in Stillwater. Sites to see include historic buildings like the Ann Bean Mansion and their outdoor parks and hiking opportunities. Kids will love the Teddy Bear Park and hikers will enjoy the Brown Creek’s Trail. After a walk or hike you can unwind with a beer at the Lift Bridge Brewery or a glass of wine at the Saint Croix Vineyard.

Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama’s capital city is filled with history. It was named after Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero. A center of the cotton industry, in 1851 it served as the first capital of the Confederate States of America. It fittingly became  an important center for the the Civil Rights Movement thereafter. Important civil rights events here included the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-6 and the protest marches from Selma in 1965. The city is also known for the redevelopment of its downtown.  It was one of the first cities to use Smart Code Zoning.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee, Arizona is located about 90 miles of Tucson.  was founded in 1880 as a mining town for copper, silver and gold. It offers one of the best preserved early 20th century downtown areas in the U.S. Don’t miss the elegant Art Deco doors at the local courthouse as well as other Art Deco and Victorian buildings. Its Copper Queen Hotel was a popular haunting ground for actor John Wayne. Culture lovers now travel to Bisbee for its art and music scene. It hosts an annual jazz festival in September.

Want to take a trip to any of these or other historic U.S. towns? Please contact us.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).