The United States of America is the third largest country in the world. Made up of 50 states, the USA has been home to a diverse range of cultures for over 15,000 years. The land’s climate is very diverse from extreme hot to cold. Today, the largest city in the United States is New York City and Washington D.C. is the country’s capital. Apart from having the world’s largest economy today, the U.S. also has a rich history with plenty of interesting stories to tell. Particularly in the older cities such as;
1. St. Augustine, Florida
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, this city is the oldest Europeanfounded city in the United States that is still occupied. Houses built in the 17th and 18th century line up the streets. The large Spanish forts of Castillo de San Marcos also rest in the city. St. Augustine is also rumoured, not yet certified to be the home of the oldest house in the U.S. Known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, this piece of historic architecture dates back to 1723.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
This city is the fourth largest city in the U.S. Santa Fe is also the oldest capital city in the country. Originally home to Pueblo Indian villages in 1050 to 1115, some of their homes were built around today’s Plaza area. Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar, Spanish Conquistador, explorer, former colonial governor of Santa Fe colonized the area in 1598. Then in 1836 the republic of Texas claimed Santa Fe. This majestic city was also home to a long list of famous authors. For example, Douglas Adams and George R.R. Martin. Today, Santa Fe is a great spot to check out history, art and culture.
3. Jamestown, Virginia
Founded in 1607, Jamestown was America’s first permanent English settlement. Filled with colonial-era ships, artefacts, colonial architecture, Native American culture and heritage, this city strongly respects its origins.<
4. Boston, Massachusetts
This city began in 1630. Today, you can see the old cemeteries from the busy city streets. Such as the Old Granary and Copps Hill Burial Grounds. You can also see colonial architecture among the mist of modern buildings. The oldest building from the colonial period is the Old State House, dating back from 1713. Boston is also home to the deepest tunnel in North America, the Ted Williams tunnel. It is 90 feet below the surface. The Library of Congress also calls this great city home and is the biggest library in the country with 29,550,000 books.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
A very culturally diverse city, New Orleans has a very strong Spanish and French background. Founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company but then taken over by Spain in 1763, New Orleans then became home to numerous Spanish settlers who built the famous Vieux Carre in the French Quarter plus many others. In 1801, France took back New Orleans, only for Napoleon to sell the city back to America. Today this city is famous for its good food, Mardi Gras festival, tales of magic and city sights.
If you want to visit and explore these great cities, contact Travel Associates today.