1042 Old Ruins to Explore in United States

Almanzo Wilder Homestead is a historical landmark that honors the life of author and pioneer, Almanzo Wilder. Originating from the Little House on the Prairie series written by his wife Laura Ingalls Wilder, this homestead serves as a museum for all things related to the Wilders.Visitors can explore the restored barn and farmhouse, which feature items from that period of time like tools, furniture, clothes, and more.

Alpine Tunnel is a 1,772 ft narrow gauge railroad tunnel located east of Pitkin, Colorado on the former Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad route from Denver to Gunnison. It was a 1,772 feet long tunnel built for a narrow gauge rail line that ran from Denver to Gunnison. It opened in 1882, and was the first tunnel crossing of the Continental Divide in the state.

The Altaville Grammar School in Altaville, California is one of the oldest grammar schools in California. It was built in 1858 of brick in the Greek Revival style and remained in use until 1950, when it was replaced by the Mark Twain Elementary School in Altaville. After its abandonment, it fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1989 by the Calaveras County Historical Society. The building serves now as an example of a typical schoolroom of the 19th century.

Alvin Bushnell Bell House stands as a distinguished testament to the architectural heritage and historical significance of the region. Constructed in 1880, this meticulously preserved residence is a fine example of [architectural style], serving as both a captivating landmark and a portal to the past.

The Amache National Historic Site is located in Prowers County, Colorado. It was established in 1965 to preserve the site of the Amache Internment Camp, which was used to imprison Japanese Americans during World War II. Today, the site is open to the public and features a variety of interpretive exhibits. Visitors can also explore the remains of the camp, including the foundations of buildings and surfaces where internees wrote messages on the ground.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, the Amana Colonies‎ stand as a living testament to a unique communal experiment and a vibrant cultural heritage. Steeped in history, these seven idyllic villages are a captivating blend of German traditions, American resilience, and small-town charm, creating a destination that is both timeless and distinctive.

This is the largest natural history museum in the world. The complex comprises 26 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library and the collections contain over 34 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts and more.

The Anamosa State Penitentiary Cemetery, located in Anamosa, Iowa, is a historic burial ground associated with the Anamosa State Penitentiary. The cemetery holds historical significance as it serves as the final resting place for individuals who were incarcerated at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. Many of those interred at the cemetery lived during a time when the penitentiary played a central role in the state's corrections system.

The Ancient Burying Ground, located in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic cemetery that serves as the final resting place for early settlers and prominent figures from the city's colonial past. Established in 1640, the burial ground is one of the oldest in the United States and provides a tangible connection to Hartford's rich history.

Andalusia, was the home of prominent Southern author and essayist Flannery O'Connor. Situated on a 500-acre farm near Milledgeville, this sprawling estate saw the birth of many of O’Connor’s critically acclaimed works such as ‘Wise Blood’ and 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find'. Overlooking a placid lake and surrounded by pecan trees, it was in Andalusia that ‘The preeminent chronicler of the Deep South’ honed her craft.

The Anderson Downtown Historic District, located in Anderson, South Carolina, is a charming and culturally rich area that celebrates the city's heritage while offering a vibrant and dynamic urban experience. This historic district is a testament to the city's growth and transformation over the years, with a blend of historic architecture, thriving businesses, cultural venues, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Anderson Hall, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a historic building that holds significance as part of the University of Kentucky campus.

It is most notably home to the Confederate prisoner of war camp known as Camp Sumter, which was operated during the Civil War. The historic site serves today to memorialize the prisoners who suffered and perished there and helps the public remember the experiences of those incarcerated by offering multiple educational experiences both onsite and online. Additionally, its grounds are also a cemetery for unknown soldiers that first began operations in 1865 with more than 13,000 interments.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site, located in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is an archaeological site that preserves the remnants of a prehistoric Native American settlement. The site is managed by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site, located in Warrick County, Indiana, is a significant archaeological site that preserves the remnants of a prehistoric Native American settlement. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient Native American sites in the Midwest. It was occupied by various indigenous cultures for nearly a thousand years, from approximately 1100 to 1450 CE.

Christopher Apple House, also known as the Apple Farm House, is a historic home located in Lawrence Township, Marion County, Indiana. It was built in 1859, and is a two-story, four bay Federal style brick dwelling with Greek Revival style design elements. It has a side gable roof and 1+1⁄2-story rear wing.

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, is a fascinating piece of local history. Constructed by American settlers in 1832 to repel Indian forces during the Black Hawk War, the fort was designed to lodge over 200 men and contained defensive palisades and bastions. The fort saw its most dramatic moment when a group of redcoats attempted to breach the walls during a surprise attack. Luckily, despite taking heavy casualties on both sides and enduring countless cannon rounds fired by the British.

Archeological Site No. 15 Ml 109, located in Kentucky, is a significant archaeological site that has yielded valuable insights into the prehistoric Native American cultures of the region. The site is part of a larger network of archaeological sites in Kentucky, contributing to our understanding of the ancient peoples who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

Argo Gold Mine & Mill is a national historic site located about 45 minutes from Denver. featuring an intact gold mill built at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel. The tunnel was built between 1893 and 1910 to drain the gold mines in Virginia Canyon, Gilpin Gulch, Russell Gulch, Quartz Hill, Nevadaville, and Central City and allow easier ore removal. It began in 1893 with the construction of the Argo Tunnel. After 17 years it reached Central City, about 4.5 miles away.

The Arkansas City Commercial Historic District, located in Arkansas City, Kansas, is a vibrant and well-preserved area that showcases the city's rich history and architectural heritage. Established in the late 19th century, this district encompasses a collection of historic buildings that reflect the commercial development and prosperity of the city during that time.