As one of the oldest cities in the nation, it's no wonder that Richmond, Virginia, is home to some of the most prolific historical sites in the U.S. History buffs from all over the world travel here to see the places where important historical figures forever changed the nation.

Here are 5 places not to miss in Richmond if you're interested in our nation's history:

American Civil War Center

Image via Flickr by UR Roadmap

No war is one sided. The American Civil War Center offers visitors the chance to view the war in a new way. Experience the events like never before, glimpsing its triumphs and tragedies through the eyes of Union soldiers, Confederate soldiers, and African Americans.

It's the United States' first museum to represent each perspective on the Civil War, an opportunity with untold value. If you’re in town on vacation or business and have some time to kill, be sure to make time to visit the center and learn about one America’s bloodiest conflicts. 

Berkeley Plantation

Image via Flickr by Rob Shenk

Walk the grounds of what some historians believe to be the location of the Thanksgiving celebration of 1619 and the birthplace of ninth U.S. president William Henry Harrison. The Berkeley Plantation was also home to Benjamin Harrison V, who signed the Declaration of Independence.

You can take a guided tour around the Georgian mansion and glimpse beautiful antiques and artifacts, then head outside to stroll the beautiful grounds on a self-guided tour.

Museum and White House of the Confederacy

Image via Flickr by RyanCrierie

Visitors of the Museum and White House of the Confederacy can view the country's largest collection of Confederacy artifacts, from military items to art.

Three sites in two locations, including a guided tour of Confederate President Jefferson Davis' Civil War home, provide visitors with ample opportunity to experience a variety of artifacts relating to the struggle.

Virginia State Capitol Building

Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswell

America’s most historical political landmarks aren’t exclusive to Washington, D.C. - Richmond houses one of America’s most famous historical buildings.

Designed by Thomas Jefferson and erected in 1788, the Virginia State Capitol serves as a model for many capitol buildings, courthouses, and municipal buildings built in the last 200 years. It is home to the oldest operating legislature in the Western Hemisphere and serves as a strong reminder of the power and sustainability of self-government.

Tours are held daily so that guests may experience the state's rich history firsthand. The capitol houses invaluable artifacts and views of the Senate and House Chambers, while nearby destinations, such as the Governor's Mansion, offer guests an in-depth look at the nation's history unfolding.

Richmond National Battlefield Park Headquarters

Image via Flickr by Snap Man

Situated in what was once the Confederate's largest hospital, the Richmond National Battlefield Park Headquarters is a hub of information for all of the many battlefield parks in the Richmond area, including Beaver Dam Creek and Cold Harbor.

Use the headquarters to view exhibits and videos to learn as much as you can about the 97-mile battlefield tour before you embark, including original fortifications and battlegrounds where fearless soldiers stood toe to toe. Several times during the year, lucky visitors can experience an authentic Civil War battle re-enactment at one of the sites.

If you're at all interested in American history, Richmond, Virginia, is the perfect place to experience it come to life again. Scores of historical sites await you in this fine city, where you will gain invaluable insight into the country's most costly war.

What are some of your favorite historical landmarks in Richmond? Leave a comment below!