Roam Pennsylvania

04/23/2026

On this day in 1791, James Buchanan was born in the Pennsylvania woods where James Buchanan Birthplace State Park now stands.

Today, that quiet site is marked by one of the most unusual presidential monuments in America — a pyramid rising among the trees where the 15th president was born. It is peaceful, a little unexpected, and feels like discovering a hidden gem of American history.

If you enjoy presidential sites, overlooked historic places, and uncrowded scenic stops, this one is worth a look.

We recently visited James Buchanan Birthplace State Park — Learn more if you like: https://www.roamyourhome.com/james-buchanan-birthplace-state-park-pennsylvanias-president/

03/28/2026

On March 28, 1969, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, passed away in Washington, D.C. A leader both on the battlefield and in the White House, Eisenhower guided America through an era of prosperity, strength, and global responsibility.

You can honor his memory by visiting the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania — his beloved farm and retirement home. Overlooking the Gettysburg battlefield, it reflects his life of service, humility, and dedication to peace.
More about our visit: https://www.roamyourhome.com/exploring-the-eisenhower-national-historic-site-a-journey-through-history/

03/18/2026

On this day in 1834, the Allegheny Portage Railroad officially opened, creating a vital link across Pennsylvania’s mountains and transforming travel and trade in the early days of America’s westward expansion. 🚂 Today, this remarkable story lives on at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, where visitors can explore the engineering, ambition, and history behind one of the nation’s earliest railroad achievements.

03/04/2026

On this day in 1773, Frances Slocum was born in Rhode Island. As a young girl living in Pennsylvania, she was kidnapped by Native Americans during a raid in 1778 and later became known as Maconaquah — “The Little Bear” — living the rest of her life among the Miami people in Indiana. Her remarkable story bridges two cultures and remains one of the most fascinating tales of early America.
Read out article on visiting Frances Slocum State Park in Pennsylvania, where her childhood home once stood, and her incredible journey began.

02/24/2026

On this day... On February 24, 1914, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain — Civil War hero, scholar, and statesman — passed away in Portland, Maine. Best known for his heroic defense of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg, Chamberlain’s courage helped turn the tide of the war and earned him the Medal of Honor.

02/16/2026

Happy President's Day! Did you know the only U.S. president to claim PA as his home was the 15th President, James Buchanan? You visit his birthplace state park near Mercersburg PA. (Joe Biden was born in PA, but claims Delaware as home)

The 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, was born in rural Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 1791. Today, James Buchanan Birthplace State Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature while commemorating his legacy. A Historic Tribute at James Buchanan Birthplace The park pres...

02/11/2026

On this day in 1885, Gettysburg National Military Park was established — preserving the ground where one of the most pivotal battles in American history unfolded and where the course of the Civil War changed forever.

More than 150 years later, you can still walk those same fields — stand on Little Round Top, trace the stone walls of Pickett’s Charge, and visit Soldiers’ National Cemetery where sacrifice echoes in every row of headstones. It’s not just a park… it’s hallowed ground.

02/10/2026

The French and Indian War began in 1754, marking a pivotal struggle between Britain and France — with Native American nations playing crucial roles on both sides. This North American conflict, part of the larger Seven Years’ War, shaped the future of the continent and set the stage for the American Revolution.

A young George Washington gained his first military experience during this war, including an early skirmish that took place in the Pennsylvania wilderness.

You can step back into this dramatic moment by visiting Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The site features a reconstructed fort, museum exhibits, and scenic trails that bring to life Washington’s first command and the opening shots of a global conflict.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield is located just outside of the small town of Farmington in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into the early struggles of the French and Indian War and is the location of the first significant engagement of 22-yea...

01/17/2026

In his Farewell Address U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned that the United States must “guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence…by the military-industrial complex”; he felt that if left unchecked, it could undermine American democracy. Today you can visit Eisenhower's farm in Gettysburg Penslyvania. It's where he would raise award-winning cattle and practice, what he called, barnyard diplomacy.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania's rolling, unassuming countryside. The park offers a unique look into the life and legacy of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Just a short distance from the famous Gettysburg Battlefield, this historic estate served as a...

11/30/2025

On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to join the United States! 🇺🇸✨

Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in America’s founding — from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. 🗽

Happy Statehood Day to the Keystone State!

11/02/2025

On this day, November 2, 1734, Daniel Boone was born in Pennsylvania. You can visit the Daniel Boone Homestead, where he was born, a little over an hour northwest of Philadelphia.