Let yourself be swept away by the timeless charm of seven of America’s oldest small towns in the northern United States, where sun-drenched shores, lush greenery and tranquil hiking trails adorn historic sites that mark America’s birthplace. In towns like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, old buildings stand like sentinels, their walls and buildings reflecting the past. Newport, Rhode Island, boasts grand mansions that rise from the earth like giants, while Ipswich, Massachusetts, is home to the stunning dunes and shimmering sands of Crane Beach. Each of these beautiful towns is a piece in the patchwork of history, covering a landscape of eerie beauty that you can completely envelop yourself in.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s oldest city, Portsmouth wears its history like a badge of honor. Founded in 1623, the city was a center for shipbuilding, commerce and innovation. The first American submarine used in battle, the “Turtle,” was built here in 1775. Portsmouth’s streets tell stories of revolutionaries, inventors and sailors. Today, the city’s rugged past meets its vibrant present on the revamped waterfront, where the gardens of Prescott Park are ablaze with color and the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge teems with habitats awaiting curious adventurers. The Strawbery Banke Museum’s collections of century-old buildings testify to the city’s enduring spirit, while the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is a beacon of opportunity and discovery. A visit to Portsmouth will make you appreciate both the past and the present, so be sure to consider this historic city as a destination!
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is a city born from the sea, with rich ocean waters wafting between its rocky shores like a richly textured mantle. Founded by English settlers in 1639, it evolved from a shabby colonial port into a lavish playground. During the American Revolution, Newport played a pivotal role as a strategic naval base and was occupied by British forces from 1776 to 1779. The city later became a popular summer retreat for the Gilded Age elite, who built lavish mansions like the Breakers, a Vanderbilt masterpiece that flaunts opulence and excess. Once a scenic route reserved only for the wealthy, the Cliff Walk unfurls like a ribbon, offering all breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, at once wild and serene. Easton’s Beach knows no reservations about scenic surroundings and has been a favorite getaway for generations since the 19th century. In Newport, the past is alive and breathing and waiting to be discovered.
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Founded in 1634 by intrepid settlers, Ipswich, Massachusetts, has its roots in a storied shipbuilding industry that once launched ships that sailed the seven seas. That rich history is evident in the weathered beams of the John Whipple House, a 17th-century home that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Ipswich’s first residents. Nearby, the Old North Burying Ground, full of crumbling headstones and whispering grasses, recalls this town’s role in the American Revolution. The windswept dunes of Crane Beach bear witness to centuries of maritime history, while the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, with its tangled wetlands and woodlands, is a haven for the same bird and wildlife species that once thrived in the town’s earliest days. Today, Ipswich’s timeless charm continues to captivate visitors, inviting them to step through the centuries and experience the enduring spirit of this venerable Massachusetts city.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Founded by French missionaries in 1668, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan embodies a living history that harmonizes with the rhythm of the Great Lakes. The crystal-clear waters of the Tahquamenon River pour into the rugged terrain of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a sight that has captivated Native Americans, fur traders and explorers for centuries. At Whitefish Point, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum stands as a poignant tribute to the lives lost and maritime heritage that shaped the city’s fate. The Soo Locks, an engineering marvel since 1855, continue to connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, allowing passage for cargo ships and sailboats alike. From the vantage point of the Tower of History, the city’s storied past unfolds, where the ancient traditions of the Chippewa people meld with the spirit of European exploration and industrial progress. Sault Ste. Marie’s combination of indigenous resilience, European discovery and industrial ingenuity forever shapes this city’s identity and invites new generations to explore its historic shores.
St. Albans, Vermont
Founded in 1763, St. Albans, Vermont exudes a rich culture with a deep connection to its past. The city’s historical significance is evident at the St. Albans Historical Museum, which offers a nuanced look at local history and the infamous St. Albans Raid, a daring robbery that took place during the Civil War. The city’s central green space, Taylor Park, is a bustling community gathering place surrounded by historic buildings that shed light on St. Albans’ architectural development. Meanwhile, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and St. Albans Bay Park offer a glimpse into the region’s diverse ecology and the importance of conservation. St. Albans is a fascinating place for anyone intrigued by the diversity of destinations in the Northern United States.
Stonington, Connecticut
Founded in 1649, Stonington, Connecticut has a distinct maritime identity that makes it stand out in the northern United States. The town’s coastal location has shaped both its culture and architecture, evident in its weathered buildings and salty sea air. Housed in the 1840 lighthouse, the Stonington Lighthouse Museum explores the town’s maritime past, including its role in whaling, trade and exploration. The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, the home of the famous captain, offers insight into the life of a 19th-century seafarer. DuBois Beach and Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, with their undeveloped shoreline and diverse marshlands, provide a natural contrast to the town’s industrial past. As the only port in Connecticut to remain under American control during the War of 1812, Stonington’s delightful blend of cultural heritage and coastal scenery makes it a fascinating destination.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
While Green Bay, Wisconsin is admittedly no longer a small town, it felt right to include it on this list since it is actually one of the oldest European settlements in the U.S. Founded in 1634 by Jean Nicolet and named for the bay it sits on, the city blends indigenous culture, French and Belgian heritage, and the rugged ingenuity of the American spirit. The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and vibrant flora. Green Bay itself is perfect for boating, fishing, and relaxing while enjoying the golden glow of the sunset beside the calm waters of the bay. Explore the city’s past at Heritage Hill State Historical Park, where historic buildings come to life, or visit the Hazelwood Historic House Museum, a stunning 19th-century mansion that reveals secrets of local lore. In Green Bay, the stories of yesterday meet the rhythms of today, against a backdrop of shimmering waters and sun-drenched landscapes, creating a destination that feels both timeless and utterly alive.
As some of the oldest small towns in the northern United States, these destinations offer a fascinating journey through time. Each city tells a unique story of resilience, innovation and tradition, from Portsmouth’s rugged coastlines to the sun-drenched shores of Green Bay. As you stroll historic streets, explore scenic trails and visit iconic landmarks, each step reveals a new layer of fascinating American heritage. The past blends with the present to shape the identity of these charming towns.
