This work is a history book of the original Thirteen Colonies of the United States. They were originally a group of British colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America, who fought the American Revolutionary War and formed the United States of America by declaring full independence. Just prior to declaring independence, the Thirteen Colonies in their traditional groupings were: New England (New Hampshire; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Connecticut); Middle (New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware); Southern (Maryland; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina; and Georgia).

If the origin of the colonial period was accidental, the ending was not. The representatives of the thirteen colonies who approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776 charted a collision course, aware of the obstacles in their path and the risks they were taking. The events that led to their decision took place over a period of nearly 300 years. Looking back, the wonder is that it culminated so quickly. For a century after its discovery, the New World was little more than a lode to be mined by adventurers seeking profits. It wasn't until the end of the sixteenth century that serious efforts were made to establish permanent colonies. Even then, the perils of the journey and threats of starvation inhibited settlement. But settlers gradually came, spurred, in part, by the fear of religious persecution, but above all, drawn by the hope of owning land. They were a mixed lot: English Separatists from Leiden, French Huguenots, Dutch burghers, Mennonite peasants from the Rhine Valley, and a few gentleman Anglicans. But they shared a quality of toughness. Here is their story from award-winning historian Louis B. Wright.

There has always been controversy over the settlement of America. American students have been taught that Columbus discovered America, yet what he found was neither America, nor was it undiscovered. In modern times, students have vast amounts of information available to them, however it is not always obvious which sources are reliable. This book explains the establishment of the thirteen colonies through the eyes of the colonists, Native Americans, African slaves, and the British Empire. Readers will learn that religious freedom wasn't the only reason colonists flocked to the New World. Sidebars with interesting details will help students navigate through the colonization of America with fresh perspective, while encouraging them to use multiple resources to gain informed opinions about historical topics.

Introduces the European immigrants who came to North America as explorers and settlers, their interactions with native people, and the wars that ultimately led to their independence.

Get a first hand look into the early days the North American Colonies. It is winter of 1724 in the North American colonies. With her mother sick in bed and her father away on business, Charlotte Sheppard is left to watch over her younger siblings and the family farm as a dangerous storm blows in overnight. Meanwhile, Charlotte's friend Elijah Coth is concerned that his immigrant family will return home to Holland after so many setbacks on their own farm. Readers (Ages 7-9) will join Charlotte and Elijah as they work together to make repairs and feed their families in the aftermath of the storm.

Alike but different, bound together by common experience but made individual by geography - the original Thirteen Colonies formed the foundation of the United States of America! From Massachusetts to Georgia, the colonists learned to survive and then flourish in an unknown land full of obstacles and the unexpected. How did they muster the courage, the ingenuity, and the will to persevere? Learn just what it took in this book: The Founding Fathers American Flag-13 Stars and 13 stripes How the Colonies Formed It's Not Easy to Break Away from the Mother Country Meeting the Native Americans Hands-on Activities Reproducible Activities Glossary Fascinating Facts Timeline And Lots More! The compelling story of America's original Thirteen Colonies is a meaningful one for all students who seek to understand how what we learn from history can help us in our own quests. The true high drama of emotions... the deprivations... the determination... and the "going the distance" in spite of setbacks has lessons for all ages, ethnicities, and genders. Read along, and be inspired! "If they did it, surely I can too!"

Introduces important people and events from the early years of the Virginia Colony.