See Where U.S. History Was Born and Tested

If your family includes a history buff or two, then the Atlantic states that were part of the original 13 colonies are a perfect destination. The good news is that while checking these historic sites, your adventures can easily take you to fun-filled beaches and some out-of-this-world Fourth of July celebrations.

Fort McHenry on Baltimore Harbor. Photo: Joshua Woods.

Maryland Majesty

Talk about celebrating the Stars and Stripes: be sure to visit Maryland, home to Fort McHenry. Sitting at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor, Fort McHenry was the site of a fierce battle during the War of 1812, when our young nation once again had to prove to the British that we were and would remain Independent.

The sight of the American flag waving over the ramparts during the hard-fought 1814 battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem. Fort McHenry is now a National Monument.

While in Baltimore Harbor, step aboard the USS Constellation, a Civil War sailing ship.  Or ride the rails at the B&O railroad museum.

Ramblin Pines Family Campground. Photo Courtesy of Ramblin Pines.

Some campgrounds in Maryland also provide easy access to Washington DC, the nation’s capital. Stay at Ramblin Pines Family Campground and RV park in Woodbine, Maryland, and visit all of the state attractions. And come back to camp for a pool, family games, and cookouts.

For stays nearer the beach, head to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and try Sun Frontier Town in Ocean City or Run Outdoors Ocean City Gateway in Whaleyville.

Lighthouse in Lewes, Delaware. Photo: Nikolay Loubet

Delaware: The First State

Adjacent to Maryland’s eastern shore sits Delaware, known as the first state because it was the first of the former 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution.  In addition to its rich history, Delaware offers plenty to do with 380 miles of Atlantic shoreline, lots of beaches, shopping, and restaurants.

Parks to visit include Sun Outdoors, Rehoboth Bay in Millsboro, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Delaware Beaches in Lincoln.

Pennsylvania: Crucible of Democracy

History was made in Pennsylvania when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, the city that became known as the nation’s first capital.  Philly is also home to the famous Liberty Bell. And if your legs and knees are up to it, try the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by Sylvester Stallone’s run in the movie “Rocky.”

Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell. Photo: Dan Mall

Pennsylvania is home to Gettysburg and the National Park and Museum of the Civil War.  Details about the area are available from Destination Gettysburg. Check out goodsam.com/campgrounds-rv-parks for parks in the area.

A statue honoring soldiers in Gettysburg National Military Park. Photo: John Kostyk

New Jersey: The Red Coats Have Gotta Go

Pennsylvania also gained Revolutionary War fame as the site of Valley Forge, a major winter encampment for General George Washington and his Continental Army. East of Valley Forge, near present-day Upper Makefield Township, General George Washington, and 2,400 men made a surprise crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776. The Americans defeated the British and their German Allies at Trenton, New Jersey. Visit Washington Crossing State Park, which includes Johnson’s Ferry. The battle became a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The visitor center has a museum.

Make it in New York With Atlantic States History

If your history chase takes you to New York City, you may hear that the city of New York was where the U.S. Congress first convened in New York’s Federal Hall in 1789 before settling in Philadelphia a year later.  Washington, D C. became the nation’s seat of government in 1800.

A statue of George Washington greets visitors to Federal Hall in New York. Photo: Another Believer

For more recent history in NYC, be sure to visit the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. Prepare to be humbled.

New York state offers history and sights throughout — the Hudson River Valley, the homes of both Roosevelt presidents, West Point — originally an outpost during the French and Indian Wars, and, of course, breathtaking Niagara Falls. Stay at HTR Niagara in Niagara Falls or Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres in Greenfield Park. It’s a great base camp for your exploration of the Atlantic States.

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