history by state library

 

Each state in the Union has an interesting history. In this section, you can explore the history of each of the 50 states and learn about important events that took place within its borders.

Featured Article:  History of Minnesota

Ancestors of the American Indian were in what is now Minnesota by the late glacial period, some 10,000 or more years ago. See more »

Did the Great Chicago Fire really start with Mrs. O'Leary's cow?

Did the Great Chicago Fire really start with Mrs. O'Leary's cow?

Legend has it that Mrs. O'Leary's cow started the Great Chicago Fire. But is a farm animal really to blame? Find out who else lurks around this crime scene.

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History Buff: American History Quiz

History Buff: American History Quiz

Born of a revolution that shocked the world, America rose to become a leading industrial and political world leader in a comparatively short time.

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History of Alabama

History of Alabama

Archeological findings indicate that Indians inhabited parts of Alabama as early as 6000 B.C.

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History of Alaska

History of Alaska

In prehistoric times, a land bridge joined Alaska to Asia where the Bering Strait now lies.

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History of Arizona

History of Arizona

The earliest inhabitants of Arizona, some archeologists believe, were prehistoric peoples who roamed the American southwest about 20,000 years ago.

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History of Arkansas

History of Arkansas

The Bluff Dwellers were the first known inhabitants of what is now Arkansas. These primitive people lived in caves and on rock shelves in northeastern Arkansas before 500 A.D.

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History of California

History of California

Pre-Columbian California was inhabited by numerous Indian tribes, most of them living by hunting and gathering.

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History of Colorado

History of Colorado

Nomadic hunters roamed the area that is now Colorado thousands of years ago. About the first century A.D., a people known as the Anasazi, or Basketmakers, settled in what is now the southwestern part of the state.

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History of Connecticut

History of Connecticut

About 6,000 Indians inhabited Connecticut at the time Europeans arrived. All belonged to tribes of the Algonquian language family.

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History of Delaware

History of Delaware

Indians first entered what is now Delaware several thousand years ago, probably in search of game.

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History of Florida

History of Florida

The earliest known inhabitants were prehistoric Indians who entered what is now northern Florida some 10,000 to 20,000 years ago.

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History of Georgia

History of Georgia

Prehistoric Indians came to what is now Georgia some 12,000 years ago, probably following herds of large game.

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History of Hawaii

History of Hawaii

Polynesians, probably from the Marquesas Islands, settled in the Hawaiian Islands in the seventh or eighth century A.D.

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History of Idaho

History of Idaho

Archeological evidence indicates that Indians were living in Idaho at least 10,000 years ago.

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History of Illinois

History of Illinois

At least 10,000 years ago, prehistoric people came to what is now Illinois. Archeological excavations at the Koster Site in the lower Illinois River valley have revealed evidence of almost continuous habitation there by advanced Indian cultures from about 8000 B.C.

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History of Indiana

History of Indiana

Indiana's first inhabitants were prehistoric Indians who came to the region from the west after the last glacial period.

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History of Iowa

History of Iowa

Nomadic hunters entered what is now Iowa as early as 10,000 B.C., coming on foot.

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History of Kansas

History of Kansas

The Great Plains region was periodically inhabited by various Indian peoples as early as 10,000 years ago.

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History of Kentucky

History of Kentucky

The area that is now Kentucky was first inhabited by prehistoric Indians several thousand years ago.

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History of Louisiana

History of Louisiana

The Louisiana region was settled by Indians in prehistoric times, at least as early as 6,000 years ago.

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