Every national trip is an opportunity to learn about the History of the United States. Remnants of the United States’ past are everywhere, from well-preserved artifacts to prevailing demographic trends. Through the following practices, you can deepen your understanding of what happened to make sense of the present and maybe foresee what comes next, wherever you go.
Keeping an Eye for Historical Markers
Governments and businesses teach residents and visitors a lot about history. Welcome signs, landmark plaques, monuments and memorials exist primarily to educate the public about important events, places and people in the history of the United States.
These markers are so common that they often fade in the background, so stop the next time you see one. Take a moment to appreciate all the design elements, and read the text for context. You may spot interesting details that most observers miss.
You can also consider some objects as historical markers in disguise. Airline brochures can give backstories of the destinations you’re visiting. License plates are rolling time capsules that keep the memories of time-honored values and deep-rooted economic mainstays alive through slogans like Idaho’s Famous Potatoes, which has been promoting the crop that shaped the state’s identity since 1928. Graffiti, murals and other forms of street art express unfiltered insights into social realities.
Learning Food Origins From Anecdotes
Every dish is a tangible aspect of a cuisine, an extension of a culture, which is a by-product of history. Ingredients can represent millennia or centuries of conflict and commerce and reflect the struggles and wins of a group.
Restaurateurs, cooks, servers and food lovers are underrated historians. In addition to recommending menu items, they may be able to tell you where dishes come from, the meanings behind their names, pieces of fun trivia and relevant personal stories you won’t find in official historical records.
Say you visit a beloved local spot in Maine, preferably a mom-and-pop shop, for lobster rolls. You might strike up conversations with the employees and fellow diners to learn more about the region’s iconic dish, which first became a staple in New York and Massachusetts before becoming strongly associated with the Pine Tree State.
Learning From Indigenous and Diverse Communities
The history of America didn’t begin with the founding of the United States. As you travel, take time to learn about the Indigenous Nations whose cultures, traditions and histories have shaped the land for thousands of years. Tribal museums, cultural centres, heritage sites and guided tours can offer perspectives that aren’t always found in traditional history books.
You can also explore the stories of the many communities that have helped build the nation. Visiting museums, historic neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks dedicated to African American, Latino, Asian American and immigrant history provides a richer understanding of the country’s past. If you’re travelling during celebrations such as Black History Month (February), Native American Heritage Month (November), Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) or Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May), you’ll often find free exhibitions, walking tours, performances and community events that bring these histories to life.
Some of the most meaningful history lessons come from listening to the people whose stories continue to shape America today.
Visiting Iconic Battlefields
Nationhood and war typically go hand in hand, and the story of the United States. is no exception. The sites of the bloodiest battles in American history are often calm and peaceful today.
While some historic battlefields are more popular than others, each is a hallowed ground. Setting foot on any of them to see the obelisks and statues commemorating the violent and victorious events can give you more than just a history lesson. These sights can provide you with a fresh perspective and instill a newfound appreciation for the freedoms you currently enjoy.
For instance, if you visit Boston, consider touring the Freedom Trail, which is two and a half miles long, and exploring 16 significant historical locations in and around the city. The iconic battlefield includes the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, where the American colonists proved to British military leaders that they were a capable force.
Being an Open-Air Museumgoer
Immersing yourself in reconstructed replicas of historical structures that exhibit artifacts is the closest thing to going back in time and experiencing what life was like.
Although many living museums charge high ticket prices to stay operational, some are accessible for free. For example, many historic cemeteries are accessible to the public. You can freely explore them during the day and visit the resting places of notable figures.
If you’re planning to visit Los Angeles, you might go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and pay your respects to entertainment royalty who built the American film industry. The site occasionally displays immersive installations from contemporary artists. Observe proper etiquette to show reverence to those interred in historic cemeteries and avoid injury, as some crypts may be fragile.
Curiosity Matters More Than Money to Learn United States History
Traveling on a budget and exploring the history of the United States can go together. If you have a curious mind that enjoys learning about the stories behind anything, you can travel around the country and have the time of your life as a history buff.