The Revolutionary War was a significant time in American history, forming the future of a new nation. The battlefields, preserved sites, and historic homes throughout the 13 colonies tell us about the bloody fight for independence. From the first fight at Lexington and Concord to the deciding battle of Yorktown, these 15 landmarks glimpse America’s past and our ancestors’ sacrifices for freedom.
Lexington and Concord (Massachusetts)
On April 19, 1775, the first shots of the American Revolution were fired in Lexington and Concord. Thus, this battle marked the official beginning of the fight for independence from the British. If you’d like to see reenactments of the battles that took place here, then you should head over to Minute Man National Historical Park.
Fort McHenry (Maryland)
Fort McHenry is most well-known for its inspiration of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. However, in the Revolutionary War, it served as an important coastal defense structure that protected Baltimore from the British Navy. On September 13-14, 1814, the forst proved its effectiveness after defending against a large attack from the British forces in Chesapeake Bay, which then inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that turned into the U.S. national anthem.
Savannah (Georgia)
The Siege of Savannah is remembered as one of the bloodiest battles in the American Revolution. In 1779, French and American troops tried to retake Savannah from British forces, but the attack failed horribly. The failure allowed British forces to hold control of Savannah until 1782. By visiting the Battlefield Memorial Park, you can see the crucial part of American history being preserved there.
Bunker Hill (Massachusetts)
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought in the first stage of the American Revolution at the Siege of Boston, and showed British forces what could be expected when battling the Patriots. The battle was fought on June 17, 1775, and was technically won by the British. However, it was a pyrrhic victory, with the British suffering twice the casualties compared to the Americans and losing many officers. The Battle of Bunker Hill showcased the resilience of American forces.
Saratoga National Historical Park (New York)
The Battles of Saratoga created a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Between September 19 and October 7, 1777, the American forces won one decisive victory after another over the British. These battles significantly increased American morale and secured foreign military support from the French, which was instrumental to winning the war.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (North Carolina)
On 15 March 1781, the battle between 2,100 British and 4,500 Americans resulted in the most contested battle of the Revolution’s southern theater. Although the Americans lost, it is estimated the British lost over 25% of their force. While attempting to link with greater British forces, the Americans used this opportunity to strike, leading to their surrender in Yorktown and unraveling their control of the South.
Cowpens National Battlefield (South Carolina)
The Battle of Cowpens is remembered as the worst British loss since the Battles of Saratoga. What makes the battle significant is that most of the American forces were Patriot militia, which showed that even untrained troops can win decisively if properly led. After this battle, the militia disbanded, and the remaining forces, as well as their general (Daniel Morgan), joined General Nathaneal Greene’s army, which set the stage for the Battle of Guilford Court House.
Fraunces Tavern (New York)
Fraunces Tavern is located in New York City and was the meeting place for many revolutionary figures. In August 1775, the student militia of King’s College fired on a British Royal Navy ship, which in turn fired back and hit the roof of the tavern. Later, in 1783, George Washington would also bid his officers farewell inside the tavern and deliver a heartfelt speech that touched the hearts of all the men present.
Valley Forge National Park (Pennsylvania)
Between 1777 and 1778, Valley Forge became the winter encampment for George Washington’s Continental Army and lasted for 6 months. After having to retreat from Philadelphia after the Battle of Brandywine, George Washington and his army decided to move into Valley Forge for the winter. Over 1,700 soldiers died during the encampment, and the makeshift wooden huts they stayed in can still be found throughout Valley Forge National Park.
Kings Mountain National Military Park (South Carolina)
The Battle of Kings Mountain was one of the only major battles in the Revolution that was fought entirely between fellow Americans. Loyalist forces clashed with Patriots on October 7, 1780, where the Patriots caught them by surprise, winning the battle in little over an hour and inflicting severe casualties on the Loyalists. The Battle of Kings Mountain remains an important victory of the Patriots’ southern campaign.
Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia)
Colonial Williamsburg served as the capital of Virginia during the Revolution. Williamsburg had many tradesmen and artificers, and when they sided with the Revolutionaries, these tradesmen supported the Patriots in their fight for independence. The capital was eventually changed to Richmond in the 1780s, but the importance of Williamsburg is still felt today as reenactments occur daily and the history of the town is kept alive.
Independence Hall (Pennsylvania)
The Indepedence Hall, otherwise known as “The Birthplace of the United States”, is the most important revolutionary landmark in America. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in Independence Hall and marked America’s revolutionary actions put to law. These historic chambers can still be toured by visitors today and show where the Founding Fathers created the new nation’s government.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park (New Jersey)
With George Washington licking his wounds in Valley Forge and his commander-in-chief status under jeopardy by political alliances, the Americans had to deliver a heavy blow to the British. Unfortunately, they didn’t achieve their goal, but neither did the British. Even though both sides fielded thousands of men, they only littered the fields of Monmouth Battlefield State Park with signs of engagement, but no strategic or tactical victories were made.
Princeton Battlefield State Park (New Jersey)
George Washington decided to cross the Delaware on December 25, 1776, where he set in motion a campaign that badly wounded the British forces. His decisions led to the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, where he used his newly trained Continental Army to initiate a counterattack against British forces. The counterattack successfully pushed them back and forced many of their forces to retreat.
Yorktown Battlefield (Virginia)
The American Revolution officially ended in 1783, but in late 1781, the Battle of Yorktown spelled the last major land battle of the Revolution in North America. When British General Cornwallis surrendered his forces to George Washington, it forced the British government to start negotiations to end the conflict. Remnants of the Yorktown Battlefield are found in the Colonial National Historical Park as they show where American independence was won.
