History & Heritage - The Best Historical Sites in the South
Every corner of the South is filled with American history and the heritage of those who were a part of it. From plantations to museums and memorials, you’ll find some of the most beautiful sites in the South. Learn about the famous faces, places and events that shaped Southern life as we know it. You can learn how the first settlers lived, see where the first airplane was flown and experience Native American culture- all in the beautiful and historic Southern states!
Historic Jamestowne/ Jamestown, Virginia
In 1607, the first permanent settlement in America was established in Jamestown, Virginia. Today, you can visit this site and learn all about the history of the first successful colony. At the Archaearium, see more than 4,000 artifacts uncovered by archaeologists that tell the story of the settlers and how they lived. Learn about the Indian tribes of the Chesapeake at the “World of Pocahontas, Unearthed” exhibit. If you want to truly get immersed in the history of the colony, Jamestown Rediscovery offers special tours and programs that go in-depth into the process of rediscovering Jamestown.
historicjamestowne.org
Carnton / Franklin, Tennessee
The Carnton Plantation was built in 1826 by former Nashville mayor Randal McGavock in Franklin, Tennessee. The plantation, in its early years, was visited by many who shaped American history such as president Andrew Jackson. What really makes this house famous is its importance in the Civil War. In November of 1864, the plantation house served as a hospital for injured confederate soldiers in the Battle of Franklin. Hundreds of soldiers were treated at Carnton, and the site remains a burial ground for many. You can tour this gorgeous property and experience its place in American History.
boft.org
Middleton Place/ Charleston, South Carolina
This 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark sits on 65 beautiful acres in Charleston. Middleton Place is comprised of gardens, stable yards, and a museum. Parts of the property were burned in 1865, just two months before the end of the Civil War. Guided tours of the House Museum introduce visitors to the men, women and children who made Middleton Place their home for over three centuries, including the enslaved people and freedmen who served them. You will see original portraits, furniture, silver and more that belonged to the Middleton Family. Before you leave, take a stroll through the breathtakingly beautiful gardens.
middletonplace.org
Wright Brothers National Memorial/ Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
See where aviation began when you visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. The 60-foot tall granite monument leads the way to the national park, which features grounds with markers indicating the successful launching and landing points, a visitor’s center and a museum and exhibits which celebrate the last century of flight and beyond. At the museum, you’ll find full scale reproductions of various models tested by Wilbur and Orville Wright along with actual tools and machines used to craft them. The Wright Brothers contributed a great deal to the history of aircraft and to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, so don’t miss out on visiting this iconic memorial.
nps.gov
Atlanta History Center/ Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of the busiest cities in America, and it’s also filled with incredible history. See that history come to life at the Atlanta History Center, a 33-acre experience featuring award-winning exhibits, historic houses, interactive activities and more! Exhibits are ever-changing, so each visit promises something new and different. Each aspect of the museum focuses on people, ideas, and events that made Atlanta the city it is today. After your day of discovery, head on over to Souper Jenny, one of the on-site restaurants, for fresh food and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
atlantahistorycenter.com
Museum of Native American History/ Bentonville, Arkansas
Take a 14,000-year journey when you visit the Museum of Native American History in Arkansas. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts. Start at the Paleo exhibit, where you’ll see a skeleton of the massive mammoth, whose species disappeared around 10,000 years ago. In the Woodlands exhibit, you can see darts and knives used to hunt animals and protect tribes. You’ll leave the museum with great knowledge and appreciation of Native American culture and the impact it has had on America today.
monah.us
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel/ Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is home to some of the greatest struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The National Civil Rights Museum has artifacts, interactive media and external listening posts that guide visitors through centuries of history. From the beginning of slavery and the initial resistance to the events of the late 20th century that inspired a demand for equality, you’ll be moved by the many exhibits highlighting the heroes and events of the movement. See iconic figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. and learn even more about their legacies.
civilrightsmuseum.org
James Madison’s Montpelier/ Montpelier Station, Virginia
When James Madison wasn’t serving two terms as president, he lived with his wife at the beautiful Montpelier manor house. Guests can tour the house as well as the 2,650-acre grounds which include eight miles of trails and formal gardens. Learn more about the life of the architect of the Constitution and fourth president of the United States at this stunning property and museum. House tours are complemented by the permanent exhibition "The Mere Distinction of Colour" and visitors can stop by the archaeology lab as well as the archaeological dig sites.
montpelier.org
Getaway to Richmond
In southern North Carolina, discover the magic of Richmond County. Enjoy the famed healing waters of Ellerbe Springs at Ellerbe Springs Inn and Restaurant. Learn about the history of Richmond County at the historic Leak-Wall house, built in 1853. With almost 3 miles of walking trails under a shady canopy of trees, Hinson Lake attracts visitors to the city of Rockingham. Spend the day viewing the diverse wildlife while hiking at Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Richmond County is the perfect place to getaway. visitrichmondcounty.com
The Jewel of Edinburg
A true destination of Edinburg, VA — the Edinburg Heritage Foundation was created to preserve and restored the Edinburg Mill, one of the few mills to survive demolition during the Civil War. The Mill now houses a museum dedicated to the memory of the Town, the mill, and transportation in the Shenandoah Val-ley. The facility also holds two gift shops, a Wine Shop, and the Edinburg Mill Restaurant. And with so many activities under the same roof — local history has never been so enjoyable.
edinburgmill.com
Beauteous Beauvoir
Beauvoir — the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library — is an exquisitely restored antebellum mansion located in Biloxi. The notable estate holds numerous historical documents and the Library is home to an extensive military history section with in-formation dating back to the American Revolution. To the back of the Beauvoir property is the Confederate Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place of 784 veterans, wives, widows, and civilians, and the location of Confederate Memorial Day.
visitbeauvoir.org
Oklahoma History
The Sod House Museum seeks to preserve Oklahoma’s only remaining sod house and interprets the early day lifestyles of a pioneer, from the establishment of the Cherokee Outlet in 1893 to 1920. Visitors can enjoy the experience of walking through the “soddy” and explore exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and a root cellar. The artifacts and exhibits portray the daily activities of the pioneers. Museum grounds include an additional building displaying horse-drawn equipment and period farm implements.
okhistory.org
Avery Research Center
Over 3000 patrons visit the Avery Research Center annually, rang-ing from scholars and lecturers, to school groups and universi-ties, to families and community members from all over the world. The Avery Research Center provides tours, hosts workshops, presents lectures, and spotlights local and national talents in various forms of creative expression. The center currently holds nearly 4000 primary— and secondary-source materials that docu-ment the history, traditions, legacies, and influence of African Americans and their place in the American narrative.
avery.cofc.edu
History and Harmony
Designed, planted and nurtured by Sarah Ferrell, the expansive terraced garden at the Hills and Dales Estate is one of the best preserved 19th century gardens in the country. Completed in 1916 and intentionally designed to flow gracefully into its gardens, the home is now cared for by the fourth generation of the Calloway family. With dwarf boxwood parterres adorning the ter-races for more than 175 years, Hills and Dales is one of the finest homes in America.
hillsanddales.org
The Museum with Everything
The Anniston Museum of Natural History, Berman Museum, and Longleaf Botanical Gardens make up the Anniston Museums and Gardens. A plethora of family fun awaits! Plan your visit accord-ingly to attend one of their many amazing year round events and sign up for a tour, you won’t regret it. From exploring a replica cave, to coming face-to-face with spectacular animals in life-like natural settings, to examining two Egyptian mummies, visitors can explore the world in one day.
exploreamag.org
Beyond the Lore / Houma, Louisiana
Houma, Louisiana Take 300 years of history, add in 2,500 square miles of moss-draped wetlands, and throw in a few werewolves, swamp mon-sters, Indians and faith healers and you’ll begin to see the rich tapestry of woven around and through Houma, Louisiana. How-ever, Houma is so much more than just a collection of old stories and lore. Experience Cajunicity! Discover a colorful lifestyle full of lively music, unique dialect, world-famous cooking and rich history, heritage and hospitality.
houmatravel.com
