Colonial History

Published on Jul 18, 2006 in Featured Travel Stories

North America was a new world, a land of mystery, paved in gold. European countries sent their people across the Atlantic, and several sites along America's Byways preserve the history of the many cultures that have claimed this land.

For half a millennium, North America has seen a nearly constant cultural revolution. Before the arrival of European settlers, a wide range of native cultures and tribes populated the face of North America. Explore remnants of the earliest Americans along Natchez Trace Parkway, where interpretive sites mark ancient burial mounds and large Native American cities dating from before Europeans made large claims in North America.

France was the first European country to penetrate deep into North America, exploring the Mississippi River from both the north and the south. However, Spain was the first nation to make a permanent home on North American soil, defeating the French's first attempt at a settlement. The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Highway in Florida features the historic city of St. Augustine, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in North America. Tour St. Augustine's main plaza, featuring the Basilica Cathedral of St. Augustine, or visit the Oldest House in America.

On the other side of the continent, Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado ranged northwards from New Spain in search of legendary cities of gold. Although Coronado returned empty-handed, the Coronado Trail follows his route through the scenically rich brush-covered mountains of Arizona. Juan de Oñate would have more success, establishing the San Juan colony as the first settlement in New Mexico along the banks of the Rio Grande. He pioneered a route he named El Camino Real, or "The Royal Road", that connected all the cities of New Mexico to the other colonies of New Spain. Today, visitors to El Camino Real enjoy the blend of cultures of the Southwest's colonial heritage through both the fantastic historical sites and the spicy cuisine.

Britain also sent settlers to the rich new world, with the instructions to find gold and claim territory. The Virginia Company, led by Captain John Smith, established the settlement of Jamestown. After barely surviving Indian attacks, winter famines, and diseases, Jamestown finally flourished, becoming the first capitol of Virginia. The Colonial Parkway in Virginia connects Jamestown with several other early British settlements. You can talk with slaves and freemen, traders and trappers, housewives and servants from the 17th century and get a feel for the colonial era.

Once the European nations had staked their claims, the stage was set for the next century of conflict. The French had claimed most of the western lands, including the fertile Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes. As the British Colonies expanded, hungry settlers and traders encroached on French territory, creating tensions that would erupt in the French and Indian War. You can visit historic sites from both sides of this war on several America's Byways.

Forts lined the waterways of New York, and today the Great Lakes Seaway Trail and the Lakes to Locks Passage preserve these historic sites. Tour Fort Oswego on the shore of Lake Ontario, or visit Crown Point State Historic Site and Fort Ticonderoga along the shores of Lake Champlain. These sites feature living history exhibits and periodic re-enactments of events from our colonial history.

One of the main turning points of American history occurred along the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania. As 22-year-old Major George Washington led his troops and those of his Indian allies towards Fort Duquesne to discuss boundaries, they stumbled on hidden French troops. During the interrogation following the resulting skirmish, the Seneca chief Half King killed Ensign de Jumonville, a well-loved French Officer. Fearing reprisal, young George Washington retreated and established Fort Necessity, where he battled French troops until they forced him to surrender. Ironically, Washington's first and only surrender occurred on July 4th, 1754.

Today, you can visit Fort Necessity National Battlefield and tour a re-creation of Washington's original wooden fort. The expenses of the French and Indian War would lead to high taxes without representation, one of the primary causes of the Revolutionary War. As you tour Fort Necessity, contemplate how small events can change the fate of the world.

Every colony in North America has shaped the nation we live in today. Visit America's Byways and learn the long-reaching effects of historic claims on the new world.

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