Editorial Staff

Overview The story of the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony is one of the most famous chapters in early American history. Seeking the freedom to practice their religion, a group of English settlers known as the Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Mayflower in 1620. After a difficult journey, they established Plymouth Colony in … Read more

Overview When European explorers arrived in the Americas, they did not discover an empty land. Millions of Indigenous peoples had lived throughout North and South America for thousands of years. These communities had developed diverse cultures, languages, governments, economies, and ways of life that were closely connected to their environments. Understanding the people who already … Read more

Overview During the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s, many people left Europe and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. These journeys were often dangerous and difficult, but thousands of people believed the risks were worth taking. Some settlers came in search of economic opportunities, while others hoped to escape religious persecution or gain greater … Read more