American Heritage: Historic Sites, Museums and Battlefields across the US

This military installation, constructed in 1862, allowed both Confederate and Union troops to guard the interior of eastern Florida.

The site of the first Civil War battle west of the Mississippi now contains a museum, visitor center, and displays battle re-enactments.

This museum chronicles and displays exhibits on the Civil War.

This pioneer farmstead, tucked in the Reems Creek Valley, features the birthplace of Zebulon Baird Vance. -

The Grant National Historic Site allows visitors to step into the 19th century home life of one of the Civil War's most prominent genrals and the nation's 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.

This expansive and verdant state park features an opulent plantation including Civil War-era Confederate cannon installations.

The Texas Military Forces Museum is the only museum in the nation that presents the history of the Texas Military from the Texas Revolution to the present.

One of the largest museums in the country, Tennessee State features both permanent and changing exhibits that chronicle Tennessee's history and heritage.

The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862, was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War, and produced important military and political gains for the Union.

This scenic park south of downtown Chicago is the burial place of distinguished statesman Stephen Arnold Douglas (1813-1861).

 The museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including documentation of Civil War soldiers' lives and a locomotive factory reproduction. 

This local history museum tracks a community that has developed from a rural setting into a bedroom community.

This historic southern home built in 1820 chronicles the life of Civil War hero Sam Davis, its one-time inhabitant.

Built in 1855, this Antebellum mansion once housed Civil War officers from both the Union and the Confederacy.

A Confederate family lived in this house during the 19th century, and its walls attest to the complex human history of the American South over the course of that century.

Fighting to maintain control of the Mississippi River, 7,500 Confederate soldiers held off attacks by over 30,000 Union troops at Port Hudson.

This plantation was home to General Joseph Wheeler, who after the Civil War played a major role in the nation's reunification.

The plantation is locally significant because of its association with Felix Pierre Poche, Civil War diarist, Democratic Party leader, and prominent jurist, who built the house around 1870.

Explore the people and events that shaped the siege which led to the fall of the capital of the Confederacy and the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee's army.

The museum educates locals and tourists on the history of Pensacola.

Pecos preserves 12,000 years of history including the ancient pueblo of Pecos, Colonial Missions, Santa Fe Trail sites, and 20th century ranch history of Forked Lightning Ranch.

On March 7 and 8, 1862, 26,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri. The 4,300-acre park honors those who fought for their way of life, North and South.

Many Confederate soldiers are buried in this cemetary located approximately one mile from the city square.

This nationally-registered landmark manifests the tragedy wreaked by the Civil War on the splendor and prosperity of the Old South.

The New Market State Historic Park commemorates a pitched 1864 battle in which cadets from the nearby Virginia Military Institute helped score a win for the Confederacy.

The fighting at Natural Bridge in 1865 ended with the retreat of Union forces, preserving the autonomy of Tallahassee from federal control.

This museum explores local Culpeper history set in a broad national and international context.

At this field in 1864, Lew Wallace's Union forces clashed with Jubal Early's Confederates.

The Civil War’s largest cavalry battle comes alive on this historic battlefield.

Founded in 1901, the society hosts museum exhibits, historic graveyard walking tours, vintage baseball games, and Civil War re-enactments.

This maritime museum includes relics from the famous Civil War ironclad ship, the USS Monitor.

Once the headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces, this historic home boasts one of the largest collections of Civil War and Victorian antiques.

Dedicated in 1874, Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas.

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site was the 1840s home of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of our 16th president.

A part of the legendary Underground Railroad for fleeing slaves of pre-Civil War days, this registered National Historic Landmark is a Federal style brick home built in 1839.

Through state-of-the-art museum technology, life-size dioramas, and interactive engaging exhibits, visitors travel back in history to the social, political and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,923 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign, fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864.

The Greek Revival home, built in 1858 by John B. Wornall is now accurately restored to the period, its interior spaces and authentic furnishings demonstrate why the house was called "the most pretentious house in the section."

This historic plantation home was built in 1835 by Captain William Jenkins and was home to the Confederate Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins.

The museum documents the defense of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati during the Civil War and how the community came together to defend the area during this critical period in U.S. history.

A museum of antiques and collectibles gathered together by Huntingdon businessman J. Melvin Isett and his family.

Located in the "Crossroads of American History," the Museum of Frederick County History features exhibitions in an 1820 home in the heart of Historic Downtown Frederick.

Florida's former capitol building now houses a museum outlining the state's political history.

This local history museum is housed inside a 150 year old building which was once a Civil War hospital.

Stroll the site of John Brown's historic 1859 abolitionist raid, complete with museums and hiking trails.

This mid-19th-century residence of Harrisonburg's first mayor serves today as the Valley Turnpike Museum, which highlights the history and heritage of US Route 11, formerly known as the Valley Turnpike.

The Greenbrier Historical Society maintains the North House Museum and extensive records of the area's history and culture. Included in its archives are a letter by Thomas Jefferson and documents dating as far back as the early 1700s.

Visitors to the site will find a memorial to Grant's headquarters during the siege of Petersburg. The actual building was torn down for supplies.