The Seven Oldest Sites in America

The United States of America is a relatively young country compared to the rest of the world. But the land on which the nation sits is old, and encompasses a rich history. There are several historic sites that long predate our country’s independence. From churches to settlements, these centuries-old relics embody the incredible legacy of the United States, and paved the way for future institutions of a similar nature. Here are seven of the oldest landmarks located in the United States.

1.Oldest Settlement-Taos Pueblo,

New Mexico

Credit: miroslav_1/ iStock

Taos Pueblo is an ancient settlement located in modern-day New Mexico north of Santa 

Fe. This incredible, historic archaeological site was first occupied circa 900 CE. Adobes

 were later built around 1325 CE in a now-abandoned ruin called “Cornfield Taos.” 

The site's indigenous inhabitants moved slightly west around the year 1400 CE, 

where they built the adobe residences and religious structures that remain today.

While population numbers have dwindled since its heyday, Taos Pueblo remains an 

active Native American community, with some buildings having been

 continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers

 daily tours for those curious to learn more about the Pueblo people. Some particularly

 interesting sites include multi-story adobe structures and the ruins of a church

 dating to the 1600s.

2.Oldest Church — Cathedral of San Juan

Bautista, Puerto Rico

Credit: Wangkun Jia/ Shutterstock

Located in the island territory of Puerto Rico, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is the

 oldest church on U.S. soil. Boasting a beautiful white, gothic-style facade, the church’s 

origins date back to 1521, though the current structure was built in 1540. Near tragedy

 struck in 1615 when a hurricane tore the roof off, though the church was quickly 

restored.  This cathedral contains brilliant stained glass windows, as well as the

 tomb of Spanish explorer Ponce de León.

3.Oldest Log Dwelling — C. A. Nothnagle 

Log House, New Jersey

Credit: Smallbones/ Wikimedia

The C. A. Nothnagle Log Cabin is the oldest surviving log cabin in the country, and was

 built between 1638 and 1643. Located in Gibbstown, New Jersey, the 1,800-square-foot

 home was constructed by Finnish immigrants without using a single nail, according 

to current homeowner Doris Rink. The home has actually been listed for sale seven

 times since 2015, making it one of the most historic American buildings available

 for purchase.

4. Oldest Restaurant — The White Horse

Tavern, Rhode Island

Credit: Wangkun Jia/ Shutterstock

The colonial-style White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, has been serving 

guests since 1673, making it the oldest operating restaurant in the country. The building

 was originally constructed as a two-story home for resident Francis Brinley in 1652. 

It was later repurposed as a tavern, earned its current name in 1730, and was finally 

christened as a National Historic Landmark in 1972.

Contained within the barn-like structure is a decadent and historic dining room unlike

 any other. Visitors can expect a seafood meal using ingredients harvested from 

nearby Narragansett Bay. In addition to seafood, the restaurant serves classics that

warm the stomach such as beef Wellington, whipped potatoes, and other hearty entrees.

5. Oldest State Capitol — The Maryland 

State House

Credit: W. Scott McGill/ Shutterstock

Government bodies have relied upon the Maryland State House in Annapolis as far back

 as November 26, 1783, making it the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.

 The building served as a meeting place for the Continental Congress from 1783 through 

August 13, 1784. Several notable events occurred during that time such as George 

Washington’s resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, plus the

 ratification of the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War.

6.Oldest Fort - Castillo de San Marcos,

Florida

Credit: Barbara Smyers/ Shutterstock

Located in St. Augustine, Florida — America’s oldest city — the Castillo de San Marcos

 National Monument is home to the oldest surviving masonry fortress in the United States

. Construction of the fort was approved by the Spanish crown in 1672, and it was built 

through 1695. The massive fortification includes 30-foot-high walls composed of 

coquina blocks (a material made from cemented seashells) and four imposing bastions.

7. Oldest Museum — The Charleston 

Museum, South Carolina

Credit: ehrlif/ Shutterstock

The Charleston Museum in South Carolina proudly claims to be “America’s First 

Museum,” as it was founded in 1773. The museum was established by the Charleston 

Library Society just prior to the onset of the American Revolution, and while museum

 operations were briefly suspended during the American Civil War, the institution has

otherwise continuously operated without interruption.

8. Oldest Fort — Castillo de San Marcos,

 Florida

Credit: Barbara Smyers/ Shutterstock

Located in St. Augustine, Florida — America’s oldest city — the Castillo de San Marcos

 National Monument is home to the oldest surviving masonry fortress in the United States.

 Construction of the fort was approved by the Spanish crown in 1672, and it was built 

through 1695. The massive fortification includes 30-foot-high walls composed of 

coquina blocks (a material made from cemented seashells) and four imposing bastions.

About the author: Bennett Kleinman | Staff Writer

Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Digital. He is also a freelance comedy writer, devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.

Meanwhile, Did you know that.....

Many early Spanish troops in the Philippines weren’t actually Spaniards, they came from Mexico and Peru! When Spain colonized the Philippines, it used its American colonies as a manpower source. Indigenous soldiers, including Aztecs, Mayans, and other native peoples, were forced into service and brought across the Pacific on the Manila Galleons. So early Manila wasn’t just ruled by Spaniards, it had Latino and indigenous American presence, too!

Lastly, Did you know that.....

In 1828, long before the Katipunan, Filipino soldiers were already plotting to rise up. The Palmero Conspiracy was a secret plan by local officers to stage a full-blown military revolt against Spanish rule.

It was crushed before it began, the Spaniards found out and stopped it before the first bullet was fired. That’s why few people know about it today.

But it revealed something powerful: even back then, Filipinos in the colonial army were ready to fight for freedom and risk their lives doing it.