Visit These American Maine Landmarks to Feel Patriotic

If you are looking to feel patriotic and yearning to learn more about America, you don't have to travel to Boston or Washington D.C. Maine has so much to offer to you, your family, or hear me out, a romantic date. Just bring wine and flowers. Anything can be romantic if you throw in wine and flowers, even while discovering a piece of America's history.

There Are SO Many Forts Filled with History in Maine

Fort Knox (it might be haunted), Fort Popham which was used in the Spanish-American War and WWI, Fort McClary dates back to the 1700's and was filled with troops through FIVE wars, Fort Levett used for coastal defense during WWII, and so many others.

Fort Western piques my interest the most. It's the oldest wooden fort in the country and was built in 1754 (so before America was America). Aaron Burr stayed at the fort it's so old.

Yes, THAT Aaron Burr who killed America Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Still unsure? Hamilton is on the 10-dollar bill. You may have heard of "Hamilton" on Broadway?! It was made into a film and released on Disney+. Check here for summer hours of Fort Western so you can book a guided tour and really take in all the patriotism. 

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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Summer Home is in Maine ... Kinda

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd POTUS. He was the only President to serve FOUR terms, and during his four terms including The Great Depression, the attack on Pear Harbor, and subsequently, America's involvement and victory in WWII. He is often considered the 2nd greatest US President of all time just behind Lincoln.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park should definitely be on your list to explore if you're looking to feel patriotic. The park houses FDR's summer home that was gifted to him and his wife Eleanor as a wedding gift. The couple would frequent the area often until President Roosevelt contracted polio.

It is "technically" just across the border in Canada, but we will consider it Maine as our U.S. National Park Service partially runs the park in a partnership with Parks Canada and only a small bridge separates the border.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's Home in Brunswick, Maine is a National Landmark

Harriet Beecher Stowe was best known as the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, first published weekly as a serial in The National Era in 1851. Her best-seller infuriated Southerners by focusing on the cruelties of slavery, particularly the separation of families. - nps.gov

Stowe's book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," fueled the beginning of the Civil War and the beginning of the end to the brutality of slavery. That book was written in Maine, and you can visit the house where Stowe penned it! Call me a nerd, but I think that is such a privilege!

Another Must-Visit National Landmark in Maine is Kennebec Arsenal

The Kennebec Arsenal was built in the area now known as Augusta between 1828 and 1838. It was conceptualized after the War of 1812 when it became clear that America needed more ammo and places to store it.

It was used for weapon production during the Mexican-American War AND the American Civil War. Cool, right?! In the early 1900s it became housing for the mentally ill, which didn't have the regulations nor the PC requirements that we have today, making walking around these walls a little spooky.

When you visit nowadays, there's a Dunkin' and a Walgreens within walking distance. Shame they weren't around for our patriot ancestors in the 1800s.