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History of the United States
Table of Contents
The United States has an extensive history. The very first thriving colony was located in Jamestown, Virginia. It was established in 1607. From there, English Puritans fled to America to escape from religious persecution. They then settled in what is now Massachusetts in 1620. These new settlements in North America were ruled by the British. As time went on, colonists continued to come to America from a variety of different European countries. By 1733, the original 13 American colonies had been established along the east coast.
There were several wars fought though out the 18th century, which involved France and England. North was drawn into each of these wars. In 1763, the Seven Years’ War ended, and England was in control of all of North America.
Shortly after this, there was trouble between England and the colonies. With new taxes came resentment from the colonists. Additionally, they were expected to house British soldiers in their homes, and this was also resisted. As strife over new taxes increased, the phrase “no taxation without representation” became common across all the American colonies.
In 1773, all taxes had been removed except for those on tea. This tax was responded to negatively by patriots. They staged the Boston Tea Party. This group of patriots dressed as Native Americans. They boarded British ships and threw 342 crates containing tea into Boston Harbor. British Parliament could not let this simply slide by, so they cracked down and closed shipping to Boston Harbor. Colonial leaders met this with a meeting of the First Continental Congress.
In 1774, the Colonial leaders discussed their opposition to British rule, and in 1775, war broke out. Colonial rebels confronted British soldiers. The war started in Lexington, Massachusetts. In 1776, the Revolutionary War ended, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
The Revolutionary War was an extremely tough time for Americans. They didn’t have much in the way of provisions or training. Additionally, they were overpowered and drastically outnumbered by the British. In 1777, the war took a turn in favor of the Americans. They won a battle in Saratoga, New York, and France decided to step in as an American ally. France was able to give the American effort warships and troops.
One of the last and most notorious battles of the American Revolution took place in Yorktown, Virginia. In 1781, American and French troops forced a surrender from the British. While this was not the last battle in the Revolutionary War, it is the one that led to the end. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, and America’s independence was recognized.
After the war ended, the framework for the constitution started. The United States became a new nation that flourished and grew. While there continued to be controversy in America’s history, individual liberties were safeguarded with the institution of the constitution and the Bill of Rights. The country continues to grow and expand, ever furthering its rich history.
Landmarks in the United States
There are many noteworthy landmarks in the United States. Each state has one that you will undoubtedly want to check out. Whether you are taking a day trip or a tour of the entire United States, knowing the must-see landmarks will lead you to a fantastic adventure. Let us look at some of the most extraordinary landmarks located across the United States.
- National 9/11 Memorial & Museum – New York City, New York
- Independence Hall – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Bunker Hill Monument – Boston, Massachusetts
- Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Honolulu & Oahu Hawaii
- Fort Sumter – Charleston, South Carolina
- The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas
- Faneuil Hall – Boston, Massachusetts
- Trail of Tears – Runs from Oklahoma to Tennessee
- Gettysburg National Military Park – Gettysburg Pennsylvania
- Mount Vernon – Alexandria, Virginia
- Lincoln Memorial – Washington DC
- Crazy Horse Memorial – South Dakota
- Arlington National Cemetery – Arlington, Virginia
- Hoover Dam – Arizona/Nevada State Line
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Big Horn County, Montana
- Liberty Bell – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Washington Monument – Washington DC
- Gateway Arch – St. Louis, Missouri
- The United States Capitol Building – Washington DC
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- The White House – Washington DC
- Mount Rushmore – Keystone, South Dakota
- Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California
- African Burial Ground National Monument – New York City, New York
- Boston African American National Historic Site – Boston, Massachusetts
- Korean War Veterans Memorial – Washington DC
- Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
- Louis Cathedral – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Statue of Liberty – New York City, New York
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – Washington DC
- The Grand Canyon – Arizona
- Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho
Must-See Cities and Towns in the United States
While there are many cool places to see in the United States, some must-see places should top your list. When traveling around the United States, make sure to stop in and check out:
- New York City, New York
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles, California
- Washington, DC
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Miami, Florida
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Austin, Texas
- Denver, Colorado
- Savannah, Georgia
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Portland, Oregon
- Seattle, Washington
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania