The history of england

Suggested holidays: You can twin Philadelphia with another city such as New York or Washington DC, or perhaps take this independent rail tour American Heritage which also includes Boston. The Historic Highlights escorted tour is a superb way to discover America’s history visiting all the key locations of the east led by an expert Tour Director. Or if you’d rather explore at your own pace, then we have this great flydrive itinerary Self-Drive Colonial America.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a city of many historic firsts for the US. Established in 1697, it’s the country’s oldest state capital. It’s home to the nation’s first public building (the magnificent Palace of the Governors), the oldest religious building in the US (San Miguel Chapel dating from 1610), as well as playing host to the longest-running community celebration in America, the annual Santa Fe Fiesta.
This vibrant city is brimming with history and has done remarkably well both in preserving its original treasures and to ensure that all construction in the downtown area conforms with the unique adobe architectural style. The result is that you can’t help but feel the strong pull of the city’s long and varied past on every street corner. Be sure not to miss the historic Plaza, where you’ll find the landmark sight Palace of the Governors and have the chance to browse a selection of Native America arts and crafts around the square. There are also plenty of fascinating museums to explore, including the New Mexico History Museum – home to an astonishing collection of historical and cultural artefacts - as well as the colourful Museum of International Folk Art, both located in the city’s Museum Hill district.
Suggested holidays: You can spend two nights in Santa Fe with this superb itinerary travelling through the spectacular scenery of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico - Self-Drive Four-Squared. Santa Fe also features as a day trip on one of our most popular flydrive itineraries Self-Drive Route 66 or this fabulous route which takes in Yellowstone - Self-Drive American Grandeurs. A fabulous escorted tour which highlights superb historic locations and glorious national parks is The Magnificent Southwest, on which you’ll spend two nights in Santa Fe.

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Washington D.C., District of Columbia

The nation’s capital offers an unparalleled insight into American history in all its glory and complexity, with an enviable collection of world famous monuments, landmarks and museums attracting millions of visitors from across the globe. Most of D.C.'s big name sights are concentrated along The Mall, where you can pay visit to the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, The White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnams Veteran Memorial.
Many of the city’s famous Smithsonian museums also teem with history, providing a tantalising glimpse into everything from the history of food and popular entertainment, to colonial era agriculture and African American culture, all of it completely free. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss The National Museum of American History, which presents a sweeping and in-depth view of the country’s past through a collection featuring more than 3,000 artefacts, including the famed Star Spangled Banner.
Beyond the high profile attractions, Washington is a city of distinctive neighbourhoods, many of which harbour fascinating histories of their own. Scattered throughout the city are self-guided Neighbourhood Heritage Trails that provide the perfect means of exploring some of the lesser known, yet still hugely rewarding museums, historic houses and storied pasts that these areas have to offer.