Archaeology Travel Guide USA
As one of the world’s largest countries the Unites States of America has a fascinating and varied precolonial history. From the scenic woodlands of the east to the dramatic deserts of the west, the histories and cultures of First Nation people are as diverse as the landscape. Histories that were often in conflict with the arrival of settlers from Europe, and the founding of the USA. Some of the best archaeological and historical sites have been specifically designated for their significance at 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 61 National Parks and 129 National Monuments.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
Reasons to Visit United States of America
Petroglyphs & Pictographs,
American Civil War,
Civil Rights Movement,
… Museums & Art Galleries.
Interesting Things to Know About the USA
As a nation the USA was founded in 1776, but European colonization started as early as the 1500s, and humans have occupied the landmass since approximately 15,000 BCE. As such, the historical and archaeological record of the United States is a hodgepodge containing the influences of Spanish, Dutch, French, English, Russian, and hundreds of different Native American groups. Sites like the first Swedish settlement in America, Fort Christina in Delaware, are in the same vicinity as 18th century Quaker landscapes, contact-era and Archaic Period Native American sites, battlefields of the American Revolution and Civil War, and modern American cultural sites like Washington DC.
There are 49 continental states, one island state, five territories, one district, and roughly 12 unincorporated holdings. It is considered the third largest country by land and total area, third most populous, and is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, meaning it contains a high proportion of Earth’s species and has a high number of endemic species. There are 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in US territory, 21 are in the continental states, two in Hawaii, and one in Puerto Rico. Of these, 13 are natural heritage sites, 11 are cultural heritage sites, and one is both a natural and cultural heritage site.
The population of 330 million people is not surprisingly unevenly spread across the 50 states. In Kentucky, home of bourbon, there are more bourbon barrels than people. And cows outnumber people in Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Kansas alone can produce enough wheat to bake 36 billion loaves of bread, which could feed the world for about two weeks. Supposedly, Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza per day.
The National Park Service (NPS) was established in 1916, but the first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872. There are currently 63 national parks. The United States National Historic Landmark (NHL) program, managed by the NPS, was inaugurated in 1960. As of 2020 there are 2,597 designated national historic landmarks. An NHL is a building, district, object, site, or structure, that is officially recognized by the US government for its national historical significance. These sites are included on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which is a list of near 80,000 historic properties that the NPS deems worthy of recognition. NRHP are significant on a more local or state level whereas NHLs are significant on a national scale. New York state has the most NHLs in a state (270), and New York City has the most NHLs in a city (114). North Dakota has the fewest in a state, at seven.
According to a 2021 UNESCO survey, there are over 103,000 museums worldwide. Approximately 33,000 of them are in the United States, which is 3,000 more museums than are in Western Europe and Canada combined. That means there is approximately one museum for every 10,000 people in the United States. The most visited museum in the US is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, which sees about 9 million visitors annually.
Find Places to Visit in the USA
Featured Destination
MOAB, UTAH
From Dinosaur Times to the 21st Century
On the doorstep of two of Utah’s big five National Parks, Moab is known for its spectacular red rock landscapes and canyons. Adventure seekers come for the thrill of white water rafting, slick rock climbing and mountain biking to name a few. But the area, rich in dinosaur palaeontology and Native American archaeology, is also popular for those who enjoy hiking and history.
Five Popular Attractions in the USA
Explore the USA more deeply
Where to Go in the USA
North East Region
From the bustling streets of New York City to the picturesque coastlines of New England, the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
South East Region
Here you will find Jamestown, the first permanent European settlement. An area marked by Slavery and the conflict that ended it, the Civil War.
Midwest Region
First introduced by Paleo-Indians, agriculture has long been an important aspect of the Midwest. As with industry, fuelled by the opening of coal mines.
South West Region
From ancient pueblos to historic mission churches. From the stunning red rock canyons of Utah to the picturesque desert landscapes of Arizona.
Rocky Mountain Region
A region of unparalleled natural beauty, from the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to the splendour of Yellowstone National Park.
Pacific Region
An area of rich cultural diversity and historical significance. Find out about the about the history of the transcontinental railroad and the Gold Rush.