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 Kansas

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

Articles 41-53 of 53

History of Rhode Island

Rhode Island began as a haven for religious dissenters from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

History of South Carolina

Prehistoric peoples who roamed the Atlantic coast reached what is now South Carolina possibly 10,000 to 15,000 years ago.

History of South Dakota

The earliest inhabitants of what is now South Dakota were prehistoric hunters who reached the area perhaps 15,000 years ago.

History of Tennessee

The earliest known inhabitants of Tennessee were prehistoric cave dwellers. They were followed by people known as Mound Builders about 3,000 years ago.

History of Texas

Texas was inhabited by prehistoric peoples, who were nomadic hunters, as early as 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.

History of the United States. Starting from 13 English colonies on the Atlantic coast, the United States developed into an independent republic that eventually extended to the Pacific, with Alaska and Hawaii among its states.

History of Utah

Prehistoric Indians of the Desert Culture inhabited what is now Utah from about 9000 to 7000 B.C.

History of Vermont

Vermont was occupied as early as 9000 B.C. The first known inhabitants were Eskimos, who arrived thousands of years ago.

History of Virginia

Virginia was inhabited at least 10,000 years ago by prehistoric nomads who hunted big game.

History of Washington

Archeological evidence indicates that prehistoric Indians inhabited what is now Washington some 12,000 years ago.

History of West Virginia

Little is known of the prehistoric peoples who lived in what is now West Virginia except that they probably were food gatherers and hunters and arrived there as early as 10,000 years ago.