10 Historical Places In Virginia, USA - Updated 2024

historical places in virginia
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 3 min read

What is not to love about the southeastern US state of Virginia? Set along the Atlantic coastline and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains on one side and Chesapeake Bay on the other side, Virginia is the place you need to be for the ultimate nature retreat. Shenandoah National Park that boasts stunning waterfalls, mountains, and forest is a highly recommended attraction. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will let you meet face-to-face with sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks, among other inhabitants. However, your vacation will not be complete without visiting the state’s historical places to gain some significant insights. Keep reading to find out the must-visit historical places in Virginia, USA.

1. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park 2016.09.16 (10)
Source: Photo by user NealVickers used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated in the northern part of Manassas, this battlefield park witnessed two major American Civil War battles. Let the place take you back into the time when two armies went into war on the fields close to Bull Run, hence the name The First Battle of Bull Run. The other battle happened in the same place one year later in 1862. You can see canons and an intact surgeon’s burial pit, among others.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Address: 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109, USA

Website: Manassas National Battlefield Park

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. A.P. Carter Museum


A.P. Carter was a skilled violinist who was very fond of music. Built as a dedication to A.P Carter, the museum attempts to preserve old time country and bluegrass music through weekly musical performances. If you are a music lover, this place would be an excellent place for you to spend your Saturday night.

A.P. Carter Museum

Address: 3449 A P Carter Hwy, Hiltons, VA 24258, USA

Website: A.P. Carter Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 6pm - 7:30pm (show starts at 7:30pm)

Price: 10 USD

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3. Edgar Allan Poe Museum


Are you a huge fan of the world-renowned American writer Edgar Allan Poe? Then it is a must to visit this museum that is specially dedicated to honor him and his contribution to the world of literature. As soon as you step into the museum, you will enjoy exploring his treasures through the extensive collection of Poe memorabilia.

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

Address: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA

Website: Edgar Allan Poe Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 8 USD

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4. Arlington National Cemetery


We know that a cemetery may not be a point of interest that you want to consider, but it does not hurt to make a quick stop to pay respects to thousands of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. An interesting fact, Arlington National Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the country.

Arlington National Cemetery

Address: Arlington, VA 22211, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

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5. Lee Chapel and Museum


Set on the campus of Washington and Lee University, the chapel and museum was built upon request of the university’s president, Robert E. Lee, thus the name of the building, during 1867 to 1868. The chapel and museum hosts many events, including academic events and lectures. Take a look at inside and admire the 500-seat auditorium and its balcony. Later, enjoy a stroll in the garden surrounding it.

Lee Chapel and Museum

Address: 11-17 Letcher Ave, Lexington, VA 24450, USA

Website: Lee Chapel and Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: Free

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6. St. John's Church


Welcome to the first and oldest church in the city that was built in 1741, St. John’s Church. Admire the striking white church that is nestled among a lush landscape before you go inside to participate in the service. If you are interested, the church cordially invites everyone to its weekly feast, regardless of religious background.

St. John's Church

Address: 2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA

Website: St. John’s Church

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am

Price: Free

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7. Bacon's Castle


Bacon’s Castle has some other popular nicknames such as Arthur Allen House or Allen’s Brick House. This makes sense because the oldest brick dwelling in the country used to be the house of a wealthy merchant Arthur Allen. Marvel at the Jacobean architecture of the building and the beautiful bricks throughout the castle.

Bacon's Castle

Address: 465 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry, VA 23883, USA

Website: Bacon’s Castle

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Thu)

Price: 10 USD

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8. First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Nicolas Henderson used under CC BY 2.0

This park is unlike the other parks because it has some history attached. First Landing State Park was the first planned state park in Virginia and is also listed as Seashore State Park Historic District. There are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy, such as having a picnic, swimming, and boating. You can also camp overnight here to appreciate nature even more.

First Landing State Park

Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Website: First Landing State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 4 USD

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9. White House of the Confederacy


Last but not least, we have White House of the Confederacy that was built in 1818 as the main residential house of Jefferson Davis. The house was also the epicenter for political and social matters of wartime Richmond. You can enjoy a vast collection of artifacts and furnishings from back when the Davis family used to live in the house.

White House of the Confederacy

Address: 1201 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA

Website: White House of the Confederacy

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

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10. Mount Vernon (from USD 675.0)

In case you don’t know, Mount Vernon is the name of the plantation owned by the first president of United States George Washington and his wife Martha Washington. The plantation, along with the estate, is nestled on the banks of Potomac River. Other than walking through the mansion, you will also have the opportunity to watch a 4D movie and get to enjoy the snow when it snows in the movie.

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Perfect Private Mt. Vernon/Arlington Cemetery Tour

Duration: 6 hours

10 reviews

Enjoy your vacation while getting to know Virginia better

It is always recommended to learn something new while you are on a vacation. If you do plan to indulge in an unforgettable retreat in Virginia, do not forget to visit the historical places mentioned above. Get to know Virginia better.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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