Category: History of American states and cities

By Tim Lambert An Italian, Giovanni da Verrazano discovered New York Harbor in 1524. In 1609 an Englishman, Henry Hudson, sailed up the Hudson River. Then in 1624, the Dutch founded the first permanent trading post. In 1626 the first governor, Peter Minuit, bought the island of Manhattan from the Native Americans. The Dutch built… Continue reading 17th Century New York

By Tim Lambert Early Hawaii The first human beings arrived in Hawaii from the Marquesas Islands in about 300 AD. People from Tahiti reached Hawaii after 1100 CE. Then in 1778, Captain Cook sailed to Hawaii. Cook was killed in Hawaii the next year. Then in 1786, a Frenchman named La Perouse sailed to Hawaii.… Continue reading A Brief History of Hawaii

By Tim Lambert Part One: Colonial America The first Europeans to establish colonies in North America were the Spanish. In 1526 a Spaniard called Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon attempted to found a colony in Carolina. (He also brought the first black slaves to North America). However, the attempt failed. Many Spaniards died of disease and… Continue reading A Brief History of the USA

By Tim Lambert Early 19th Century America In 1803 American territory was greatly increased by the Louisiana Purchase. France claimed a vast amount of land in central North America around the Missouri River and the Arkansas River. In 1803 Napoleon agreed to sell the lot for $15 million. Buying the French land meant there was… Continue reading A History of 19th Century America

By Tim Lambert Early Alaska The first human beings arrived in Alaska about 13,000 BC. At that time, Alaska was part of a land bridge that extended across to Siberia. People followed the herds of animals they hunted. Europeans arrived in the area in the 18th century. In 1741, a Dane called Vitus Bering led… Continue reading A History of Alaska

By Tim Lambert Early Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska, was founded in 1915 when Congress authorized the building of a railroad. Oscar Anderson House and Wendler House were both built in 1915. Anchorage was incorporated on 23 November 1920. At that time, it had a population of 1,856. It grew slowly to over 2,200 in 1930 and… Continue reading A History of Anchorage

By Tim Lambert Early Arizona The first European to reach Arizona was a Spaniard called Marcos de Niza in 1539. However, for centuries the Spanish presence in Arizona was slight. When Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821 Arizona became Mexican territory. However, in 1848 Mexico was forced to cede most of what is now… Continue reading A History of Arizona

By Tim Lambert 17th Century Boston Boston was founded in 1630 by English Puritans fleeing religious persecution. On 29 March 1630, a fleet of 11 ships carrying 700 people sailed from England to Massachusetts. They were led by John Winthrop (1588-1649). At first, the people settled at Charlestown, which had been founded the year before.… Continue reading A History of Boston Massachusetts

By Tim Lambert Early California Human beings have lived in California since 10,000 BC. When Europeans arrived in the 16th century the native people lived in small villages. They lived on acorns and hunted animals like deer and rabbits. They also fished. The native peoples made baskets, some of which were so tightly woven they… Continue reading A History of California

By Tim Lambert Early Charleston The city of Charleston, South Carolina was founded in 1670 by English colonists. It was named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II (1660-1685). Soon Charleston was a thriving town and port. The Powder Magazine was built about 1713. However, Charleston was vulnerable to attack because of its position… Continue reading A History of Charleston, South Carolina