8 Towns in New England that Transport You to the Past
New England comprises six states and is among the most historic regions in the United States. Many towns transport visitors to the past with their architecture, historic sites, and New England charm. Many of the towns are notable port towns, like Mystic, Connecticut, while other prominent towns, like Woodstock, Vermont, are mountainous.
The historical significance includes Colonialism, maritime, and even an infamous witch trial. Parts of the region pre-date the American Revolution, and many buildings have been carefully preserved for future generations. Here are eight New England towns that transport you to the past.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut, is a legendary seaport with cultural attractions, folklore, and a charming downtown district. One such attraction is the Mystic Seaport Museum, which includes artifacts, ships, and live exhibits that explore the area's rich maritime history. The historic district is one of the most visited in New England and features classic architecture.
A premier attraction is the Indian and Colonial Research Center. The museum aims to share Native American history through exhibits and artifacts dating to the 1700s. Downtown also has several charming inns like the Steamboat Inn. It is on the banks of the Mystic River and has views of the Bascule drawbridge.
Newport, Rhode Island
Historic Newport, Rhode Island, is a famous sailing destination on Aquidneck Island. Bellevue Avenue transports visitors to the past with its abundance of Gilded Age mansions, particularly the Breakers. The Breakers was built in 1895 and resembles a Renaissance palace.
Another noteworthy mansion is the Marble House, built by William Vanderbilt for his wife, Ava. The stately mansion includes massive columns and is one of the most famous on the island. Many more historic structures, including Fort Adams State Park, are in Newport, which is older than the United States.
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Picturesque Marblehead, Massachusetts, has been inhabited for hundreds of years, and many historic structures have persevered. The Marblehead Historical Commission has designated 19 sites of great importance and developed a walking tour with photos and information about each site. The Powder House on Green Street was built in 1755 as an ammunition storage for three major wars, including the Revolutionary War.
The Old Town House was constructed in 1727 and referred to as "Marblehead's Cradle of Liberty" because of the pre-Revolutionary War meetings held here. The top floor is now the Civil War and GAR Museum. Marblehead is excellent for American history and architectural buffs and sweeps its visitors to the 18th century.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is notoriously known for the 1692 witch trials, in which several residents were executed for alleged witchcraft. Visitors can learn about the trials and cut through the myths with an audio tour of Salem Witch Village. The city also has a long maritime and colonial history; various museums explore this fascinating history.
The Peabody Essex Museum is a noteworthy attraction, first established in 1799 by Salem sea captains. It aims to explore art, science, and culture through exhibits, including a 200-year-old Chinese house. An excellent way to explore Salem is the Salem Heritage Trail. The trail leads through historic sites from the earliest settlers, Indigenous Peoples, and Abolitionism.
Camden, Maine
Picturesque Camden is a small port town in Maine, where many affluent people built their summer homes in the 1800s. The affluent helped build many sophisticated points of interest in the 19th century through financial donations. The public library, the amphitheatre park, and the Camden Opera House are notable buildings built during this time.
Another noteworthy site is Camden Harbor Park, adjacent to the amphitheatre. The architecturally designed parks were established in 1931 and are considered two of the most prominent parks in the US. The High Street Historic District is just one of many dedicated to Camden, Maine's historical significance and beauty.
Eastport, Maine
Breezy and historic Eastport, Maine, is known for its many historic buildings and districts. The five-block Eastport Historic District embraces the 19th-century commercial center on Water Street. Several museums, like the Tides Institute and Museum of Art, are dedicated to its rich history. The center preserves the coastal history and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
The Hillside Cemetary is another historic hotspot for visitors and includes tombs for the Irish and Scottish settlers, British soldiers, and American patriots. Raye's Mustard Mill Museum is the country's last remaining traditional stone mill, and the museum is considered one of Maine's most noteworthy products. Eastport is an authentic "Down East" town jam-packed with a unique history that transports visitors to a different era.
Essex, Connecticut
Charming and quaint Essex, Connecticut, is surrounded by three bodies of water, including the Connecticut River. Its history dates back to 1635, and it has many historic sites. One site, the Connecticut River Museum, is housed in an 1878 warehouse and is the town's trademark. In many guidebooks, Essex is considered one of the best small towns in America, and a stroll down Main Street shows why that is.
The historic road has Colonial and Federalist-style buildings, including the Griswold Inn. Established in 1776, the inn maintains its original aesthetic while offering sophisticated dining options and amenities. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the town while being within walking distance of numerous points of interest.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont, is a charming mountain town with three distinct historic districts: the Village of Woodstock, Taftsville, and South Woodstock. The Village of Woodstock is a 275-acre district with 95 buildings centered around a village green. The Taftsville Historic District has buildings from the Taft family centered around a tool factory from 1793. Buildings include the 1840 Taftsville Store and the 1836 Taftsville Covered Bridge.
South Woodstock has notable structures that predate the Civil War, like the 1839 South Chapel and the 1848 Perkins Academy. Hundreds more historical structures have been maintained. One of the more unique features is a time capsule of Vermont bicentennial artifacts buried at the base of the Vermont Historical Marker, which will be dug up in 2091.
New England is one of the oldest Colonial regions in the US. The charming towns comprising the landscape are filled with New England charm and classic downtown areas. Most of the buildings are historic, some over 200 years old. This region takes visitors back in time, from covered bridges in Woodstock, Vermont, to classic seaports like Mystic, Connecticut.
Several prominent museums preserve years gone by with historical artifacts that delve into the region's past. The Salem Witch Village in Massachusetts aims to set the story straight about the 17th-century witch trials. Eastport, Maine, has a five-block historic district with several museums worth visiting. These eight towns are some of the most historically significant in the country, and walking around them feels like walking through a time machine.
