The United States’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient History and Timeless Beauty

The United States is home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most of them are national parks that impress with their scale and natural beauty. But among them are also remarkable historical buildings that have preserved the spirit of the past — and that’s what this story is about.

When talking about the oldest buildings in America, it’s important to remember that long before Europeans arrived, this land was already inhabited. Indigenous peoples built homes from stone, clay, and wood — and some of those structures have survived to this day, forming an essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

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Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Founded: Over 1,000 years ago
Address: 120 Veterans Highway, Taos, NM 87571

Taos Pueblo is a settlement that has been home to the Taos people for more than a thousand years. Located in New Mexico, it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The adobe apartment-style dwellings are famous for their massive earthen walls and traditional construction techniques. Originally, the only entrances were through the rooftops — residents climbed in and out using wooden ladders, a feature that once provided protection during attacks.

About 150 people still live here, maintaining their traditional lifestyle. The homes have no running water or electricity, and the nearby Rio Pueblo remains the main water source. Residents continue ancestral crafts such as pottery, weaving, and jewelry making. Every year, the homes are re-plastered with a fresh mix of clay and straw to preserve their original look. Despite modern influences, the Taos people have preserved their language, customs, and centuries-old religious traditions.

Visitor Information:
Taos Pueblo is open to tourists year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though it occasionally closes for religious ceremonies or mourning periods — check updates at taospueblo.com.

Tickets:

• Adults: $25
• Teens (11+) and seniors (62+): $22
• Children under 10: Free

Photography is allowed only for personal use. Commercial shoots require permission and fees, and it’s forbidden to photograph residents without consent or during religious events.

Getting there: The easiest way is by car. From Santa Fe, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive; from downtown Taos, only 10–15 minutes. Public transport schedules change frequently — check at the Taos Visitor Center before your trip.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Dates: 600–1300 CE
Address: Mesa Verde National Park, 35853 Rd H.5, Mancos, CO 81328

Mesa Verde is one of North America’s most important archaeological sites, home to the cliff dwellings of the ancient Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi). These stone villages, carved into canyon walls, were inhabited for over 700 years before being abandoned—likely due to drought or depleted resources. More than 600 dwellings remain, including the impressive Cliff Palace, the largest of them all.

The multi-story homes were connected by ladders and passageways, with open courtyards for gatherings and underground kivas for ceremonies. Declared a national park in 1906, Mesa Verde was the first U.S. park established specifically to preserve historical heritage. Today, visitors can hike ancient trails, explore preserved dwellings, visit a museum, and join guided tours.

Admission:

• Vehicle: $20–30 depending on the season
• Walk-in, bicycle, or motorcycle: $15 per person

Lodging:

• Far View Lodge: The only hotel inside the park, about 15 miles from the entrance. Rates start at $166/night (open mid-April–mid-October).
• Morefield Campground: 267 sites, including RV hookups and group areas, starting at $36/night (late April–mid-October). Early reservations are highly recommended.

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Henry Whitfield House, Connecticut

Founded: 1639
Address: 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437

Henry Whitfield House may seem modest — yet it predates the country itself. Built in 1639, it’s one of the oldest surviving houses in the U.S. and the oldest stone house in New England.

It was constructed by Reverend Henry Whitfield, a Puritan leader who fled England seeking freedom of religion. In the wilds of Connecticut, the house served as both home and fortress, protecting settlers from storms and potential attacks. That’s why it has thick stone walls, narrow slit windows, and heavy oak doors.

Today, the building is a museum showcasing 17th-century colonial life — complete with rough-hewn furniture, household items, and artifacts of early settlers. Remarkably, the house has remained almost unchanged for centuries.

Visitor Info:
Open May–October, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors/Veterans $8, Youth (6–17) $5, Children under 5 free.
The museum grounds cover over eight acres, with info panels, English/Spanish audioguides, and a small “I Spy Bingo” activity for families.

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Castillo de San Marcos, Florida

Founded: 1672
Address: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Built by the Spanish in 1672 to protect St. Augustine—a key stop on the transatlantic route—the fort was constructed from coquina, a shell-based limestone that could absorb cannon fire instead of shattering. It withstood sieges, bombardments, and changes in power, standing as a symbol of Florida’s layered history.

Though never captured in battle, the fort changed hands several times: from Spain to Britain, back to Spain, and finally to the U.S. It also served as a prison for Native American chiefs and war prisoners.

Today, it’s a museum where you can explore bastions, see original cannons, and walk through historic chambers.

Admission:

• Adults (16+): $15, valid for 7 days
• Children (15 and under): Free with an adult
  Payments are card-only.

Nearby attractions include the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the U.S., and the interactive Pirate & Treasure Museum — all within walking distance.

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Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, California

Founded: 1771
Address: 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is one of California’s most beautiful Spanish missions. Founded by Saint Junípero Serra in 1771, it played a key role in spreading Catholicism among Indigenous communities and served as a major center of Spanish colonization.

The complex includes a church, museums, gardens, and historic buildings — and it houses the tomb of Junípero Serra, canonized in 2015. The mission is both a historical site and an active Catholic church, with weekend services open to the public.

Visiting Info:
Open Monday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $13, Seniors (65+) $10, Students/Children (7–17) $7, Children under 6 free.
Driving time: About 2 hours from San Francisco or 5 hours from Los Angeles. Buses run from Monterey, though schedules vary.

Nearby, you can visit Carmel Beach, the Bixby Bridge, or drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive to the iconic Lone Cypress. Just 15 minutes away lies the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered one of the best in the country.

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Why Visit These Historic Sites

These landmarks are more than ancient buildings — they’re witnesses to America’s origins. From Indigenous pueblos and cliff dwellings to Spanish missions and colonial fortresses, each tells a story from a different era and culture.

Travel Tips & Fun Facts:

• The 2000 film All the Pretty Horses (based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel) was partly filmed at Taos Pueblo, starring Matt Damon and Penélope Cruz.
• The British series Jamestown (2017–2019) vividly depicts life in the earliest American settlements.
• The Bixby Bridge in California appears in the opening sequence of Big Little Lies (2017–2019).