Amelia Andriacco
Road trips can be fun, yet exhausting. Hours in the car can become boring and tiring when the only stops you make are at gas stations. Regardless of how exciting the destination is, it can be tempting to make a quick stop to stretch your legs and hopefully visit something worthwhile. If you have ever found yourself in this position, these 5 historical landmarks are worth visiting on the way.
5. Serpent’s Mound
Beginning our list of historical landmarks is Serpent’s Mound. This serpent-shaped effigy mound is a staple in Ohio. While there were no artifacts left behind that could link this site to a particular culture, there are archeological theories that it may have belonged to the Adena Culture or the Fort Ancient Culture. At nearly a quarter of a mile long, this is the longest serpent effigy in the United States. This is the perfect stop to hit on the way to places like Hocking Hills.
4. Eisenhower National Historic Site
This Site hosts the farm of General and 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield (Another great contender for historical landmarks to visit), it was used as a meeting place for world leaders and a weekend retreat setting for the President and First Lady to escape the tensions of the Cold War. If you ever find yourself in Pennsylvania, this is a great stop.
3. Sleep Hollow Cemetery
If you are familiar with the famous story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this is definitely a historical landmark worth seeing. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is the resting place of Washington Irvin–the author of the famous story–along with other historical figures such as Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller. If you have extra time on your hands, they offer 2-hour walking tours. While it is a great road-trip stop in New York, the area is also a great day trip from New York City.
2. Lincoln Historic Site
This historical landmark is a great stop for people interested in presidents, as well as those who take an interest in antiques. Take a tour of the first and only home former President Abraham Lincoln ever owned. Learn about Lincoln’s humble beginnings, as well as the home’s decorations and furniture. This is a great place to stop if you’re passing through Northern Illinois.
1. Little Bighorn Battlefield
Wrapping up our list of historical landmarks is the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Located in Montana, this National Monument was home to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Though it was first set aside as a national cemetery for the soldiers who died in the battle, it was designated as a national monument in the 1940s. This stop includes seeing and learning about the battlefield, as well as the museum collection of artifacts.