A guide to the USA's cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites

With more than 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, the USA is home to just 24. However, the properties it does contain are nothing short of spectacular. Here, we guide you through the USA's 11 UNESCO-listed cultural buildings, monuments and remains, which piece together the story of the country's famous and little-known past, from extraordinary ancient earthworks to America's most iconic symbol...

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1982

Around 13km away from St Louis lies the historic remains of Cahokia. It’s the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, and was once occupied by as many as 10-20,000 Mississippians during its peak between the 10^th and 11^th century. No one is quite sure why the city was deserted, but they left behind the most fascinating variety of structures that have survived centuries. From its 51 mounds, Monks Mound is the most significant at 30m high. These earthen structures were used as places of burial, as well as foundations for buildings. The site has an interpretive centre, gift shop (both temporarily closed for renovation at the time of writing), and a range guided and self-guided trails to choose from.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1987

This network of archaeological sites sits in the northwest corner of New Mexico, and preserves the extraordinary ceremonial structures and monuments built by the population of Pueblo people, a group who dominated the south-west corner of the USA for thousands of years. Their society reached its height in the early 11^th century, with Chaco Canyon being a major centre of ancestral Puebloan culture between 850 and 1250. As well as Chaco Culture Historical Park, sites at the Aztec Ruins National Monument are also included under the World Heritage status. 

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1979

Probably the most significant moments in American history took place inside the four walls of this 18^th century building. The clue is in the name, as this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Furthermore, it’s also where the Constitution of the United States was framed in 1787. These documents on freedom and democracy not only lay the path for the future of America, but also influenced lawmakers around the world.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1983

Built between the 16^th and 20^th century, the huge fortification of San Juan comprises the La Fortaleza fortress, plus three other forts and a large proportion of the city walls. They are fine examples of military construction during this period, built to defend the city and the Bay of San Juan. La Fortaleza dates back to 1533, and is now the official home for the governor of Puerto Rico, but guided 30-minute tours are available throughout the week.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1979

Displaying some of the best preserved pre-historic settlements in the country, Mesa Verde National Park was the USA's first cultural UNECO World Heritage Site to be ever be inscribed. The intriguing site displays an insight into how Native American tribes used to live for 900 years between c. 450 to 1300. Inside the park, there are more than 4,000 discovered archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings – varying from small storage structures to large villages with more than 50 rooms. Visitors can join ticketed cliff dwelling tours, but availability varies throughout the seasons.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1987

Third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was also a talented architect, didn't you know? He designed his home of Monticello, as well as his ideal academical village 8km away in Charlottesville: the latter remaining the heart of the University of Virginia today. Both buildings are an important part of American History, not only for their excellent and personalised Neoclassical designs, but for being the locations where much of the groundwork was laid for the USA we know today.

The mounds, concentric half-circles, and the central plaza located at Poverty Point were made somewhere between 3,700-3,100 years ago during the late Archaic period, by a society of hunter fisher-gatherers. Located near Munroe in northeast Louisiana, these man-made structures demonstrate the people who once lived here were sophisticated engineers, able to move large amounts of earth to form these raised hills without the use of modern equipment or tools, and that have lasted thousands of years.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 2015

Dotted along a 12-kilometres stretch of the San Antonio River in southern Texas are five mission complexes, marking what once was the northern frontier of New Spain. The 18^th century structures demonstrate a blending of Spanish and Coahuiltecan culture, evident in the decorative features of the churches. As well religious buildings, the missions also encompass farmland, granaries, residences, and water supply networks. There are various river trails and guided tours that allow visitors to take a closer look. 

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1986

A monument that needs no introduction. The Statue of Liberty stands guard of New York Harbour and has done for nearly 150 years, when it was gifted to the United States by the French on the 100^th anniversary of their independence in 1876. It was made in Paris by sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, who worked in collaboration with engineer Gustave Eiffel (who as you may guess by the name, is also responsible for the Eiffel Tower). The hollow statue was considered ‘one of the greatest technical achievements of the 19^th century’. Liberty is now a worldwide symbol of the USA, welcoming millions of immigrants every year. There are countless opportunities on land and boat to see the iconic monument from all angles, and those who want a closer inspection can even climb to the crown.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 1992

These mud-brick buildings in Northern New Mexico will transport you to a different time. Sitting in the valley of one of the Rio Grande’s small tributaries, the adobe settlements, ceremonial buildings and facilities of Taos Pueblo represent the culture of Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico. Established in the late 13^th to early 14^th century, the site represents a significant time of urban development in the region, and are considered a testament to the longstanding culture of this Native American community. It's also designated as a National Historic Landmark, having housed an active community for 1,000 years.

Year inscribed by UNESCO: 2019

Not one, but eight buildings are including under this UNESCO-listing, recognising the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s modern architectural design across the USA and Europe. Perhaps the best-known properties are Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Although each building is unique, they all share similarities, reflecting Wright’s development of ‘organic architecture’. This includes steel and concrete material, open-plan space, and a blending of boundaries between the exterior and interior.

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