By Mara Miller
It’s time to take a step back in time and explore preserved colonial towns in the U.S. Though you can find groups of colonial homes built in the 16th and 17th centuries in both Alexandria, VA and Philadelphia, PA, there are some colonial towns are still mostly preserved with one-lane roads and homes that date back to original settlers. Consider taking our travel advice and visiting gems like this, which are located in the original 13 colonies.
Check out our travel tips for three close-to-original towns you may want to explore that were a part of the original colonies!
1. Strawberry Banke, NH: Strawberry Banke was one of the first settlements in America north of Massachusetts. In the 17th century, it was a safe-haven for those fleeing from religious prosecution. Later renamed Portsmouth, The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed in 1713. In 1774, Paul Revere took a ride–and although this one is much less famous than the one he made four months later, it is still pretty neat to realize how significant this settlement was during the American Revolution when colonists chose to separate from England. The settlement has been left relatively untouched, with Pitt Tavern, Stoodley’s Tavern, and Sherburne House being the oldest buildings in Strawberry Banke.
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2. Deerfield, MA: Deerfield is a town that time forgot by the 19th century. It was one of the earliest major inland settlements in New England, nestled between English, French, and native territory. The town was destroyed by a marauding army under the French in 1704. However, it was later rebuilt and eventually forgotten by the time of the American Revolution. Being a town that time forgot was a blessing, however, because it is nearly pristine to this day with highlights like the Hall Tavern (1760), and the Allen, Ashley, and Williams houses that were built in the 1730s. Some buildings are private residences, however, so keep that in mind when you visit!
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3. Williamsburg, VA: Popularly called Colonial Williamsburg, it was founded as the village of Middle Plantation in 1632. It replaced Jamestown as the colonial capital by 1698. Williamsburg was the first town to be fully planned in America and the second to have a college. Today, it is seen as one of the world’s largest living museums. You can interact with those who dress as they did in the 1700s and rent a room on-site at an inn or at one of the Colonial Houses and experience historic reenactments. It is generally considered one of the best living museums in America. (They even have a romantic getaway package!)
Are there any well-preserved must-see colonial towns we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
