History That Built America: Experience It During America’s 250th Anniversary
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary by travelling through the moments that shaped its history.
June 09, 2025
4 minute read
As the United States approaches its landmark 250th Anniversary in 2026, there’s no better time to reflect on the moments that shaped the nation — and no better way to do that than by standing where history happened.
Because history isn’t confined to textbooks and museums. It lives on in modern cities and iconic towns, in revered landmarks, and across the landscapes once travelled by pioneers and change-makers. Exploring the United States offers the chance to retrace the moments — both big and small — that tell the nation’s story, from the revolutionary battlegrounds in Lexington and Concord to the gold-rich peaks of Colorado.
And while history can be found across the country, several of our U.S. tours offer a window into some of America’s most defining chapters. Read on to learn about these moments and the ways you can experience them in America’s 250th Anniversary year.
Colonial America
Before the United States came to be, the thirteen colonies existed under British rule. It was in these colonies that the seeds of revolution were sown, paving the way for independence.
On American Heritage, get a glimpse into this period at Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living-history museum that transports you to the 1700s. Live actor-interpreters, immersive experiences, 89 original buildings, and hundreds of restored or reconstructed buildings keep the colonial-era capital of Williamsburg, Virginia alive in today’s modern world.
The American Revolution
What began as unrest in the thirteen colonies erupted into a full-scale fight for freedom — and ultimately resulted in the founding of America. And while many factors sparked the Revolutionary War, there is one event that stands out as its definitive beginning: the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
On our all new, exclusive anniversary tour, Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, spend time in these two iconic Massachusetts towns, visiting Wright’s Tavern, standing upon the Lexington Battle Green, and seeing the very spot where “the shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. The experience is part of a broader journey that explores the story of the nation’s rise from Boston to Washington, D.C.
There’s more than one way to explore America’s revolutionary beginnings with Collette.
Discover other expertly guided tours that delve into this history.
Spotlight on New York City: Explore the revolutionary history of New York City, including downtown and the Wall Street area.
Spotlight on Washington, D.C.: Delve into the heart of the nation's capital with a focus on its revolutionary past, including visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian museums.
Islands of New England; Colours of New England: Enhance your journey with a post-tour extension featuring Boston's hidden gems and revolutionary sites, including the famed Freedom Trail.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Commissioned by President Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to chart the western territories, all the way to the Pacific. They played a crucial role in mapping the western portion of the United States, and their trail is one that you can trace today.
Follow in their footsteps on Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country when you cruise along the Missouri River and take in the Gates of the Mountains, a stunning canyon named by Lewis himself.
The Civil War
From 1851 to 1865, the Union and the Confederacy engaged in a brutal conflict fought over issues including states' rights and slavery. The Civil War resulted in immense casualties but ultimately led to the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the United States as a unified nation.
As you explore Charleston, South Carolina on our Southern Charm tour, you might choose to take a Harbour cruise to Fort Sumter to see where the very first shots of the Civil War were fired.
The Colorado Gold Rush
Throughout the 1800s, gold rushes sparked waves of migration across the United States, drawing hopeful prospectors westward in search of fortune and forever shaping the towns they touched.
The Colorado Gold Rush, which began in 1858, was one of the most iconic of the period. And on The Colorado Rockies, you can glimpse this era when you journey to the top of Pike’s Peak — a legendary symbol of the gold rush — on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.
The Civil Rights Movement
A pivotal period of activism and change, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s fought to end racial segregation and inequality in the United States. The movement culminated in landmark legislation, like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, which helped lay the groundwork for greater equality under the law.
Explore this moment in history as part of America’s Music Cities. While in Memphis, embark on a civil rights history tour and follow the route of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last march — led by a local guide who actually marched alongside him. You’ll also spend time at the National Civil Rights Museum.
Explore U.S. History in its Landmark Anniversary Year
As America marks its 250th year, we invite you to join us on tour and experience the moments that made history.
Learn more about our expertly planned, expertly led U.S. tours, give us a call, or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.
