History is around every corner in Pennsylvania, from the site of the bloodiest clash of the American Civil War in 1863 to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and US constitution were both signed. No place is more evocative of American history than Gettysburg, which instantly brings to mind Abraham Lincoln’s landmark presidential address.

See Civil War relics at the informative Gettysburg Museum of History before touring the battlefield and climbing the Pennsylvania Memorial for an elevated view. Looking to connect with the history of America? A visit to this profoundly moving place should be right at the top of your list.

Now see the amazing forts that shaped the American Civil War

The best historic attraction in every US state, ranked