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Annapolis, Maryland This
enticing city on the Chesapeake Bay is one of the great sailing centers
on the East Coast as well as being home to the US Naval Academy. It has
a bustling business district and numerous historic houses, such as the
home of William Paca, the governor who signed the Declaration of
Independence. William Paca House186 Prince George St Open 10am–5pm daily
William Paca House, Annapolis
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Before
the Civil War, John Brown carried out his famous raid against
government troops here, protesting the legality of slavery in the United
States. The picturesque little town around the old Potomac waterfront
has been preserved and is filled with exhibits about the history of this
important industrial, shipping, and military center. This is a fine
place to hike, and picnics on the riverfront are popular.
John Brown’s fort, Harper’s Ferry
Skyline Drive, Virginia This
delightful winding road passes 107 miles (170 km) through the mountain
and valley scenery of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Numerous
hiking trails to isolated peaks, waterfalls, and rare forest
environments begin from the main highway. Baltimore, Maryland Called
“Charm City” by its residents and promoters, Baltimore offers museums
of art, industry, baseball, science, railroads, and marine trade along
with historic sites from every American period. Its phenomenal National
Aquarium is among the finest in the world. The historic Lexington
Market, established in 1782, is still going strong with over 140 food
vendors.
Baltimore
Chincoteague and Assateague, Virginia Assateague
Island is famed for its wild ponies. The pony swim and auction, held on
the last Wednesday and Thursday of July, is a major attraction. The
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is paradise for bird-watchers and
nature buffs. The local seafood is first-rate, and the ice cream made
here is justifiably famous. Middleburg In
the heart of Virginia hunt country, Middleburg is a captivating little
town. Its seasonal farmers market, local horse races, and its antique
shops, galleries, and fine restaurants draw visitors from all over. Farmers Market
The Red Fox Inn, Middleburg
Fredericksburg, Virginia This
city on the Rappahannock River offers colonial homes, moving Civil War
sites, and a downtown filled with shops and restaurants. A marked
walking tour lays out milestones in the city’s history. Frederick, Maryland Noted
for its bridges, Frederick is a city steeped in the memory of
19th-century life and the Civil War. In addition, it has an exceptional
artistic and cultural life. Manassas Battlefield This
Civil War battlefield is where Confederate and Union soldiers fell by
the thousands fighting for conflicting visions of the nation’s future.
Manassas experienced two pitched battles, the first an opening
confrontation of untested troops, the second a bloodbath. Guided tours
are available. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania The
three-day battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was the bloodiest of the Civil
War, killing over 51,000. Lincoln’s famous address dedicating the
cemetery here expressed determination to persevere in maintaining the
Union and began to put the great conflict in perspective. The Gettysburg
National Military Park is among the most visited sites on the East
Coast.
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