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18 of America’s Best Historic Homes to Visit

By Elizabeth Stamp

ornate mansion next to lawn

America’s historic houses are a key part of the country’s heritage. Stepping inside one of these well-preserved homes gives visitors a glimpse of architectural achievements, as well as the lifestyles and traditions of the past. Whether you’re a fan of the founding fathers, a literature buff, or a connoisseur of the modernist masters, there are plenty of pedigreed properties to visit across the country. From 18th-century plantations on the East Coast to 20th-century mansions owned by California’s elite, America’s historic homes offer a look at the past while showcasing art, artifacts, and gardens that are as spectacular as the homes they accompany. They also provide an intimate look at the lives of their notable owners, including Edith Wharton, Frederic Edwin Church, Harriet Tubman, and Philip Johnson. Discover some of the best historic homes in the United States and start planning a trip back in time.

a brick house with trees

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (Auburn, New York)

In the late 1850s, abolitionist Harriet Tubman purchased property in Auburn, New York, from Senator William Seward and moved there with her parents from Canada, where they had been living since 1851. She returned to the home following the Civil War, and in 1896 she purchased 25 acres of adjacent land to create the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. She deeded the property to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1903. Today, her residence, the home for the aged, and the Thompson AME Zion Church make up the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, which was established in 2017.

ornate mansion next to lawn

Biltmore (Asheville, North Carolina)

Known as America’s largest home, Biltmore House boasts 250 rooms and the square footage of four football fields. The massive manse was built by George Vanderbilt, in collaboration with architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, over a period of six years. The 8,000-acre estate now includes a winery and a village with a hotel, shops, and restaurants.

aerial view of a home near the water

The Breakers (Newport, Rhode Island)

The Italian Renaissance–style villa was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family and the grandest of the Gilded Age summer homes in Newport. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt to replace an existing wood structure, the 70-room, four-story home was decorated by Ogden Codman, Jr. and completed in 1895. Today the Breakers is owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County, which offers access to a number of historic homes in the area, including another Hunt design, Marble House, which was built for Vanderbilt’s brother.

exterior of a home with trees nearby

The Oaks (Tuskegee, Alabama)

Completed in 1900, the Oaks was the home of educator and author Booker T. Washington at the Tuskegee Institute , where he served as the first president. The Queen Anne Revival–style house was built by students and local craftsmen and was the first residence in Macon County to be equipped with electricity and steam heating. In 1974, Congress established the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, which includes the Oaks, the George Washington Carver Museum, and the university grounds.

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aerial view of a castle next to forrest

Hearst Castle (San Simeon, California)

Created by architect Julia Morgan and newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the 165-room estate overlooking the California town of San Simeon showcases a magnificent collection of art and antiquities, as well as 123 acres of terraces, gardens, and pools, including the iconic Neptune Pool. The property is now a house museum and a California State Park where visitors can explore different aspects of Hearst Castle’s history, from its art and architecture to its heyday as a retreat for Hollywood’s biggest names.

ivy outside of a brownstone home

Langston Hughes House (New York)

The top floor of the Italianate brownstone on East 127th Street in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood was home to the acclaimed poet, playwright, and novelist Langston Hughes for the last 20 years of his life. The 1869 building was where the Harlem Renaissance leader wrote I Wonder As I Wander and Montage of a Dream Deferred. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and from 2016 to 2019 it was home to the I, Too Arts Collective .

people sitting near an ornate home

The Mount (Lenox, Massachusetts)

Author Edith Wharton took inspiration from Belton House in England, as well as French and Italian influences, when designing the house and grounds at the Mount , which was built with architects Ogden Codman, Jr., her coauthor of the book The Decoration of Houses , and Francis L.V. Hoppin. Wharton lived and worked there for 10 years before she and her husband, Teddy, sold the property in 1911. The Mount was declared a National Historic landmark in 1971 and is now a cultural center dedicated to Wharton’s life and work.

brick home next to lawn

Monticello (Charlottesville, Virginia)

Thomas Jefferson began construction on his plantation, Monticello , in 1769 and found inspiration in the work of Andrea Palladio, as well as in ancient and Renaissance architecture. He later enlarged and remodeled the house beginning in 1796. The 43-room estate was Jefferson’s home until his death in 1826. Monticello is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum, where visitors can view exhibitions about Jefferson, the estate, and the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

exterior of a home in a neighborhood

Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home (Atlanta)

Built in 1895, this Queen Anne–style home on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta was later purchased by Rev. Adam Daniel Williams. Williams’s daughter Christine and her husband, Michael King, would have three children there, including Michael Jr., who would later become known as Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights leader would spend his first 12 years in the home and after his assassination in 1968, it was restored and turned into a museum. In January of 2018, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes the house, was designated a national historic park and later that year, the house was purchased by the National Park Foundation.

exterior of a home in the woods

Gamble House (Pasadena, California)

Designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene for David and Mary Gamble, the Gamble house is one of the best examples of American Arts and Crafts architecture. The home was completed in 1908. It became a museum after it was deeded to the city of Pasadena and the University of Southern California in 1966. The home and its original furniture, which was also designed by Greene & Greene, have been beautifully conserved and the exterior was restored in the early 2000s.

exterior of an ornate home near lawn

Olana State Historic Site (Hudson, New York)

Painter Frederic Edwin Church designed his home in the Hudson River Valley on a hilltop site with the help of architect Calvert Vaux. Church was inspired by his travels, and incorporated Middle Eastern motifs (specifically Persian) alongside the Victorian architecture. The 250-acre estate is now a National Historic Landmark; the house showcases work by Church and the artist’s collection of decorative arts.

brick house with cars and trees in front

The African Meeting House (Boston)

The oldest surviving Black church in America, the African Meeting House—also known as First Independent Baptist Church and the African Baptist Church of Boston—was built in 1806 on Boston’s Becon Hill. Many well-known abolitionists spoke at the meeting house, including Frederick Douglass, Sarah Grimké, and William Lloyd Garrison, who founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society there in 1932. The building is now owned and operated by the Museum of African American History and is the final stop on the Black Heritage Trail.

exterior of a large home by the water

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami)

The waterfront villa in Miami was built by James Deering, who hired artist and interior designer Paul Chalfin to create his vacation home with the help of architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr. Following Deering’s death in 1925, the estate served as a private, and later public, museum. The main house showcases more than 2,500 furnishings, artwork, and objects, and visitors can also explore the 10 acres of formal gardens, as well as forests and an impressive orchid collection.

exterior of a home

Paul Laurence Dunbar House (Dayton, Ohio)

Acclaimed poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar purchased this 1894 brick home in Dayton, Ohio, in 1904 and lived there until his death in 1906. Following the death of his mother in 1934, the house was purchased by the state, and in 1936 it was designated as the first state memorial honoring an African American. The home is open to the public and displays Dunbar’s personal belongings, including the desk where he wrote much of his work, a sword given to him by President Theodore Roosevelt, and a bicycle built by his friends Orville and Wilbur Wright.

exterior of an allglass home near trees

The Glass House (New Canaan, Connecticut)

Architect Philip Johnson’s home in Connecticut is an icon of modern architecture. The Glass House , completed in 1949, was revolutionary for its integration into the landscape and its use of materials. The 49-acre property is home to 14 structures, built between 1949 and 1995, including a sculpture gallery, a studio, and Ghost House, an architectural folly. The estate also hosts an impressive selection of 20th-century artwork collected by Johnson and his partner, curator David Whitney, including pieces by Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, and Robert Rauschenberg.

exterior of a big home next to a large lawn

Drayton Hall (Charleston, South Carolina)

Set on the Ashley River, Drayton Hall was founded in 1738 and is now the oldest unrestored plantation house in America. The house is the first example of Palladian architecture in the country and is displayed unfurnished to allow the original materials and architectural details to take center stage. Today the estate is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site, and guests can tour the house and grounds, which includes one of the country’s oldest African-American cemeteries.

garden next to a large home

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens (Houston)

Philanthropist Ima Hogg and her brothers built the mansion in the River Oaks area of Houston between 1927 and 1928. Texas architect John F. Staub designed the house, taking inspiration from 18th-century Georgian and Spanish Creole architecture. The home’s 14 acres of gardens mix formal landscape design with natural woodlands. Hogg donated the property to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and it is now a house museum showcasing American paintings and decorative arts .

white and red home surrounded by trees

George Washington's Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, Virginia)

George and Martha Washington’s plantation home was originally built by the president’s father in 1734. Washington expanded the house over 45 years, beginning in 1754, and transformed the one-and-a-half story house into a 21-room mansion. Many of the buildings on the property have been restored or reconstructed, such as the outbuildings where enslaved men and women worked, and a museum showcases artifacts from Washington’s life and presidency.

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10 Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour

Our list ranges from Buckingham Palace to the Frida Kahlo Museum to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Estate, Property, House, Natural landscape, Home, Building, Tree, Cottage, Manor house, Mansion,

Buckingham Palace, London, England

Buckingham Palace, London, England

If you’ve ever wanted to see how the Queen of England lives without having to leave your house, now is your moment. Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the official London home to the monarchy of the United Kingdom. Although the palace is still Queen Elizabeth’s primary residence, the State Rooms are available to visit every year during the summer. In total, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, 19 of which are State Rooms, 188 rooms are staff bedrooms, 52 are guest and Royal bedrooms, 78 are bathrooms, and 92 are offices.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL

Villa Vizcaya...

Vizcaya is a Mediterranean Revival-style villa with Baroque elements that was once the home of businessman James Deering. The estate currently consists of 43 acres, but was previously located on an impressive 180 acres. It took eight years and $15 million to build the villa, and another year to complete the Italian Renaissance-style gardens and Vizcaya Village, which consists of 11 buildings across 12 acres, including greenhouses, fields, staff quarters, a garage, barns, and workshops.

The Frick Collection, New York, NY

Room, Property, Interior design, Furniture, Building, Ceiling, House, Estate, Floor, Architecture,

This Beaux Arts-style mansion located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan was once home to Henry Clay Frick, one of the most prominent industrialists during the Gilded Age. Expect to see Old Masters paintings, decorative arts, and European sculptures in this former residence turned art museum. The Frick Collection is located on Fifth Avenue and is one of the last remaining Gilded Age mansions in New York City. It became a museum in 1935, and since then, the public has been able view Frick’s expansive collection of artwork, which includes Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Whistler, Bellini, Vermeer, and Goya, to name a few.

Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

Home, House, Spring, Tulip, Plantation, Estate, Property, Mansion, Flower, Natural landscape,

At just 26 years old, future President Thomas Jefferson inherited a plantation in rural Virginia. An architecture enthusiast, Jefferson himself devised a combination of Neoclassical and Palladian architecture for the estate that would come to be known as Monticello. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and, along with the University of Virginia—which was also one of Jefferson’s designs—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If Monticello looks familiar to you, it’s probably because it’s on the reserve side of the nickel.

Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City, Mexico

General Views Of Mexico 2019

In 1958, just four years after Frida Kahlo’s death, her eye-catching, bright blue house in Mexico City became a museum. Not only was Frida Kahlo born and raised in this historic home, it was also where she lived with her husband and fellow painter, Diego Rivera, and later, where she passed away. Diego Rivera donated the house in 1957 so that it could be turned into a museum in honor of his late wife. Kahlo’s house has since been operating as both a historic house museum and an art museum for over 60 years, and it is now the most visited museum in Coyoacán. Artworks by both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are on display in the home.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

The onetime home of Isabella Stewart Gardner was built in 1903 and is a designated Boston Landmark. As is evident when looking at the home's Instagramable courtyard, the building was inspired by a 15th-century Venetian palace. Isabella Stewart Gardner once said that she wanted her extensive art collection to be exhibited “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Well, so far, so good! The museum is home to American, Asian, and European art, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY

USA - New York - Lyndhurst Estate

This spooky Gothic Revival mansion, built in 1838, was once the home of railroad tycoon Jay Gould. It sits on 67 acres and overlooks the Hudson River. The National Historic Landmark home was used as a filming location for The Blacklist, Project Runway, House of Dark Shadows, and Night of Dark Shadows, to name a few. Former owner Jay Gould had a 243-foot yacht built so that he didn’t have to take the nearby railroad built by his archnemesis, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Talk about rich people problems...

Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VA

Estate, Property, House, Natural landscape, Home, Building, Tree, Cottage, Manor house, Mansion,

Mount Vernon began as a one-and-a-half story home built by George Washington’s father, Augustine, in 1734. It went on to become the plantation of George and Martha Washington, the first President and First Lady of the United States of America. The architectural style of the home is described as loose Palladian, which is a European style inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman structures. Mount Vernon was expanded twice during George Washington’s lifetime, in the late 1750s and in the 1770s, and it was his home until his death in 1799. In 1858, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association acquired the historic home and saved it from ruin by restoring it.

The Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT

Living room, Room, Furniture, Property, Interior design, Hearth, Fireplace, Building, Home, House,

Mark Twain (real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived with his family in this Victorian Gothic-style home from 1874 to 1891. This is where Mark Twain wrote novels like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, and A Tramp Abroad. It was Mark Twain and Charles Dudley who coined the term “Gilded Age,” given the title of their 1873 novel, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Events held at the home have included appearances by fellow novelists Judy Blume, Stephen King, and John Grisham.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England

Landmark, Palace, Architecture, Classical architecture, Building, Sky, Château, City, Stately home, Cloud,

To end this list with a bang, look no further than Blenheim Palace, the former home of Consuelo Vanderbilt and her husband, the ninth Duke of Marlborough. It was the $2.5 million dowry of Consuelo’s father, William Kissam Vanderbilt—which translates to $76.8 million today—that made the restoration of this historic palace possible. Blenheim Palace has been used as a filming location for a variety of films, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Gulliver's Travels, Cinderella, Spectre, Orlando, Transformers: The Last Knight, Dolittle , and Hamlet . It was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

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Historic Home Tours, Columbus Mississippi

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Visiting historic home sites is an experience for all ages and interests. Stimulate your mind while engaging your senses.

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Get the experience of a lifetime with Historic Home Tours! Visit some of the most iconic homes in America and learn about their fascinating histories. Book your tickets today for an unforgettable experience

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Showcasing History

Historic home sites offer a great way to explore our past while engaging our senses. Each home offers a feel that can only be encountered during an in person visit. Enjoy a mind stimulating experience that is rewarding for all ages.

When you visit these historic home sites, you're guaranteed to get a rush of excitement. You'll be able to explore each site in depth and learn about the fascinating history behind them.

Book a tour with  Historic Home Tours, Columbus Mississippi where you can have an amazing and interactive experience. Our guided tours will show you the historically preserved homes, inform you about their period-specific operation, while gaining an appreciation of how far we've come as a community. Plus, everyone is welcome - men, women, and children alike! 

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Book your tour of this US National Historic Landmark  built in 1847. Touring Riverview is an experience that immerses you so deep into American history that you start to feel as though you entered a time machine!

"Magnificent!!!"

This historic home is one of the oldest brick homes in Northeast Mississippi and its architecture is stunning. It is currently under restoration to bring it back to its 1850 glory! Magnificent free standing stairway in the entrance hall and pull down walls in library!

 Southern Standard of November 12, 1852, carried a lengthy description of the mansion and of a "great festive entertainment" which had occurred during the previous week. An architectural evaluation headed the article: . . . Our townsman. Colonel Charles McLaran, recently had erected on one of the most eligible and beautiful situations within the limits of our city, a splendid and costly brick mansion, the crowning architectural structure among the many stately edifices, private and public, that adorn our city, and delight the eye of the stranger en passant, - and which, in dimensions and external grandeur - internal arrangements, style and exquisit [sic] finish is, probably, superior to anything of the kind to be found in the Southern States."

Our guided tours will show you the historically preserved homes and how far we've come as a community.

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Our guided tours will show you historically preserved homes and how far we've come as a community.

Join our mission to build a united community and preserve the unique history of Columbus Mississippi.

Are you looking to make a real impact in the Columbus Mississippi community? By supporting  Historic Home Tours, you'll not only be able to engage in learning about the vibrant history around you, but you'll also be helping to preserve it for generations to come. 

Our partnership with local nonprofits ensures that the needs of the community are at the forefront of our preservation efforts. 

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7 Remarkable Plantation Day Trips You Can Only Take In Alabama

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Jennifer Young

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The South is well known for its beautiful plantation homes, especially here in Alabama. As you’re driving through our great state, you’ll likely discover several plantation homes. While some of these historic homes are in disrepair, others have been fully restored and currently operate as a museum. Several of them are also private residences. Listed below are seven plantations in Alabama , each of which are perfect for a day trip.

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Have you ever toured any of these Alabama plantations? If so, please feel free to share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

Alabama’s Arlington Antebellum Home is also believed to be haunted, so you just might have a paranormal experience during your visit.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Plantations in alabama + related info.

What are three of the oldest plantation homes in Alabama ?

There are quite a few plantation homes in Alabama, several of which have been standing a long time. Three of the oldest surviving plantation homes in Alabama are:

1. Black Thistle Plantation Home  The Black Thistle Plantation Home is located in Sardis, Alabama, and was built in 1837. Today, it's primarily used as a wedding venue.

2. Wakefield Plantation Home Located in Furman, Alabama is the historic Wakefield Plantation Home. It was built in the 1840s and is currently a private residence.

3. Youpon Plantation Home The Youpon Plantation Home is located near Canton Bend, Alabama. Built between the years 1840-1848, it's one of the state's finest antebellum homes.

What's the name of a historic Alabama home that defines true Southern charm?

There are many historic homes in Alabama that define true Southern charm, including Shorter Mansion in Eufaula. Shorter Mansion, which was originally built in 1884, is one of Alabama's most beautiful historic homes. Sadly, it burned down in 1900. However, it was rebuilt in 1906. Numerous people tour Shorter Mansion each year. It's also part of the annual Eufaula Pilgrimage. You'll be in complete awe the moment you see this historic Alabama home. Its beautiful Southern charm will certainly take you back in time.

What are three historic homes in Alabama that let you spend the night?

There are many historic homes in Alabama where you can book an overnight stay. Three of these historic homes are:

1. The Fitzgerald Home The Fitzgerald Home is located in Montgomery, Alabama. It was the residence of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald from October 1931 to April 1932. Primarily a museum, this home also has two Airbnb suites upstairs that are available to rent. If you're a fan of F. Scott or Zelda Fitzgerald, an overnight stay at this historic home is an absolute must!

2. Winston Place Located in Valley Head, Alabama is Winston Place. Winston Place was built in 1831 and is currently operated as a bed and breakfast. Many people consider it to be one of Alabama's most beautiful historic mansions. After seeing it for the first time, it's easy to understand why.

3, Fort Conde Inn  Fort Conde Inn is located in Mobile, Alabama, and was built in 1836, making it the city's second-oldest home. Like Winston Place, Fort Conde Inn is also operated as a bed and breakfast. Over the years, this historic home has also become a popular place to host a wedding. In addition to its undeniable charm, a great feature of Fort Conde Inn is its skyline view.

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Explore Alabama

The US' 10 best historic homes to visit with your family this summer

Jul 20, 2019 • 5 min read

The white facade of the Truman House surrounded by orange leaves; historic homes

The house on the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site captures the life and times of the 33rd president / Courtesy of City of Independence Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

You can read an author’s entire body of work, study a president’s legacy, or celebrate the achievements of a civil rights hero, but nothing gives you a true understanding of a famous figure like a visit to the place she or he lived. Their home is their sanctuary for creating their art, developing and carrying out their righteous mission, or simply experiencing life in a setting that influenced them. Here are a few historic homes that deliver a thorough education and, if you’re open to it, inspiration.

The white facade of the Truman House surrounded by orange leaves; historic homes

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site: Independence, Missouri

From 1919, the year he married Bess Wallace, until his death in 1972, President Harry S. Truman lived in a simple Victorian home in, fittingly enough, Independence, Missouri . (During his eight-year residency on Pennsylvania Avenue, it was known as the ‘Summer White House’)

A wander through this home delivers an intimate look at the life of the World War I veteran and 33 rd American President. Like most presidential homes and memorials, this one is part of the National Parks Service and tours by park rangers happen regularly. The home is so loaded with period details, family heirlooms, personal objects and memorabilia that a guided tour is well worth it.

Susan B. Anthony House: Rochester, New York

One of the cornerstones of American democracy – a woman’s right to vote – took root at a modest, pre-Civil War brick house in Rochester, New York, which is located about 90 minutes from Niagara Falls. Pioneering activist Susan B. Anthony turned her house into the headquarters of the suffrage movement, and when she wasn’t campaigning across the country, she was organizing from the parlor here, often with anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass and fellow women’s rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Check out the third-floor attic, where she penned many political documents, and the second floor features a collection of memorabilia that tell the story of the suffrage movement.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: Brookline, Massachusetts

America’s 35th president was born and raised just outside of Boston , in the ritzy suburb of Brookline, and to this day, the unassuming home where he spent the first three years of his life stands as a monument. It’s a museum-like destination showcasing Kennedy family mementos and photographs.

The exterior of the Morris-Jumel Mansion under a blue sky; historic homes

Morris-Jumel Mansion: New York, New York

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton are just a few of the notables who dined in the Morris-Jumel Mansion , a country retreat built in 1765 on an elevated perch overlooking Manhattan in what is now the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem . It was commissioned by Roger Morris, a colonel in the British Army, and his wife Mary. But in 1776 it was seized by the Continental Army and transformed into General Washington’s HQ.

About 35 years later, it was purchased by wealthy businessman Stephen Jumel who pulled out all the stops to refurbish it. Known to be the oldest house in Manhattan, its period details have been carefully maintained, much to the joy of locals over time. (Duke Ellington once deemed it ‘the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.’)

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum: Baltimore, Maryland

The city of Baltimore pays tribute to its longtime resident Edgar Allan Poe in many ways, such as naming its football team the Ravens, in honor of his famous poem. A visit to Charm City can be a Poe-filled pilgrimage, what with Enoch Pratt Free Library’s original manuscripts and his grave at Westminster Hall and Burial Ground.

Of course, the best way to learn about the American icon and his celebrated work is to visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum , a modest building where he lived for much of the 1930s with his teenage cousin/bride, Virginia, and her mother. His workroom sits at the top of a narrow and fittingly creaky staircase while the rest of the house, which became a National Historic Landmark in 1962, has exhibits on his life in Baltimore, his family and the poems and stories he penned.

Paintings inside the Emily Dickinson Museum; historic homes

Emily Dickinson Museum: Amherst, Massachusetts

The tranquil woodsy landscape of Amherst Massachusetts, about 95 miles west of Boston, is the setting where Emily Dickinson penned her contemplative, radical verse. The Emily Dickinson Museum is set in two historic properties – the Evergreens, her brother and sister-in-law’s house, and the Homestead, a two-and-a-half-story brick house, where the famously reclusive Dickinson was born and spent most of her Victorian-era life writing countless poems, only ten of which were published – allegedly without her knowing – during her lifetime.

Wander the Homestead for a look at her parlors, library, kitchen and maid’s quarters and check out ‘my Voice is alive,’ an interpretive exhibit about her early work.

Louis Armstrong House: Queens, New York

The brick house on 103rd Street in the working-class neighborhood of Corona, Queens , doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside is a time capsule that tells the story of one of America’s most iconic musicians. Louis Armstrong, who grew up poor in New Orleans, lived out his retirement years with his wife, Lucille, in this gorgeously appointed home , which today stands as a tribute to the legend.

The charming kitchen, the opulent bathroom and bedroom, the handsome wood-paneled office featuring original recording equipment, and the inviting living room, packed with souvenirs that Satchmo collected on his global travels, have all been maintained with attention to detail.

An exterior of the George Eastman Museum, with orange leaves surrounding

Eastman Museum: Rochester, New York

Photography museums and galleries proliferate the planet, but the oldest in the world is in Rochester, New York at the estate of George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. A National Historic Landmark since 1966, the Eastman Museum is set on 10.5 picturesque acres and contains works from more than 14,000 photographers, including celebrated contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman, the world’s largest collection of daguerreotypes, and vintage prints from luminaries like Ansel Adams.

Eastman’s actual home contains more than 200,000 objects ranging from business and personal correspondences, including some with presidents, his own photos and scrapbooks, and an archive of Kodak advertisements.

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THE 5 BEST Montgomery Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in montgomery.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Private Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

historic home tours

1. 3hr Private Driving Civil Rights Tour

historic home tours

2. Montgomery Civil Rights Walk of Freedom Self Guided (GPS) Walking Tour

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3. 6 Hours Private Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery

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4. Montgomery City Multi-Attraction Pass

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5. Private 6 Hour Tour of Selma and Montgomery Civil Rights Sites

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6. Montgomery, Selma Area Multi-Attraction Pass

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

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Selma Civil Rights Walk of Freedom Self Guided GPS APP Audio Tour

historic home tours

F.D. Reese Historical Tour

What travelers are saying.

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  • Montgomery Civil Rights Walk of Freedom Self Guided (GPS) Walking Tour
  • 3hr Private Driving Civil Rights Tour
  • Private 6 Hour Tour of Selma and Montgomery Civil Rights Sites
  • Montgomery Tours
  • Let's Roam Montgomery
  • More Than Tours

COMMENTS

  1. America's Best Historic Homes to Visit | Architectural Digest">America's Best Historic Homes to Visit | Architectural Digest

    18 of America’s Best Historic Homes to Visit. From Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in Virginia to artist Frederic Edwin Church’s home in the Hudson River Valley, these structures are as ...

  2. Historic Home Tours | natchez.com">Historic Home Tours | natchez.com

    TOURS Duration 30 minutes. Tours available only during Spring & Fall Pilgrimage. March 11, 15, 19, 23, 27 April 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 9am - 12:30pm, every 30 minutes . $20 Adults (18+) Book Now

  3. Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour - House Beautiful">10 Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour - House Beautiful

    10 Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour Our list ranges from Buckingham Palace to the Frida Kahlo Museum to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. By Mary Elizabeth Andriotis Published: Mar 16,...

  4. 10 Best Home Estate Tours in the U.S. – Fodors Travel Guide">10 Best Home Estate Tours in the U.S. – Fodors Travel Guide

    WHERE: Sleepy Hollow, NY. Overlooking the Hudson River sits Kykuit, John D. Rockefeller’s historic stone house, built in 1913. Within its six stories and 40 rooms, Kykuit houses Picassos, Moores ...

  5. Historic Home Tours">Historic Home Tours

    Book a tour with Historic Home Tours, Columbus Mississippi where you can have an amazing and interactive experience. Our guided tours will show you the historically preserved homes, inform you about their period-specific operation, while gaining an appreciation of how far we've come as a community.

  6. 7 Plantations In Alabama That Are Perfect For A Day Trip

    While some of these historic homes are in disrepair, others have been fully restored and currently operate as a museum. Several of them are also private residences. Listed below are seven plantations in Alabama, each of which are perfect for a day trip. 1. Gaineswood — Demopolis.

  7. historic homes to visit with your family - Lonely Planet">The US' 10 best historic homes to visit with your family - Lonely...

    Their home is their sanctuary for creating their art, developing and carrying out their righteous mission, or simply experiencing life in a setting that influenced them. Here are a few historic homes that deliver a thorough education and, if you’re open to it, inspiration.

  8. Historic Homes to Tour in the U.S. — Best Life">Best Historic Homes to Tour in the U.S. — Best Life

    If you want a peak at how the wealthiest people in the U.S. once lived, take a tour of one of these historic homes and get a taste of luxury.

  9. Best Historic House Tours Across America - Parade">10 Best Historic House Tours Across America - Parade

    We’ve compiled a list of 10 homes across the USA (all of which are observing COVID safety protocols) guaranteed to cure your housebound blues and provide the perfect combo of history and trivia.

  10. Historical & Heritage Tours - Tripadvisor">THE 5 BEST Montgomery Historical & Heritage Tours - Tripadvisor

    These experiences are best for historical & heritage tours in Montgomery: Montgomery Civil Rights Walk of Freedom Self Guided (GPS) Walking Tour; 3hr Private Driving Civil Rights Tour; Private 6 Hour Tour of Selma and Montgomery Civil Rights Sites; See more historical & heritage tours in Montgomery on Tripadvisor