North American History

The term "commonwealth states" refers to a specific political status that four states in the United States use. These states retain the same powers and privileges as all other U.S. states, but their choice to use commonwealth reflects their history, values and governance.

By Yara Simón

Mexico, officially known as the United Mexican States, has 32 distinct regions. Each state offers its own unique identity, from bustling major cities to serene coastal plains. The Mexico states are home to diverse landscapes, vibrant traditions and a rich history.

By Yara Simón

The Southern states include both sprawling farmlands and bustling cities. Often called "the South," this area played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the United States.

By Yara Simón

The Midwest region, also known as the Middle West or the North Central Region of the United States, is home to Lake of the Ozarks, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Mall of America. With the agriculture and manufacturing industries, the area has also had a big economic impact.

By Yara Simón

New England is one of the most historic and scenic regions of the United States. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the country, the New England region played an important role in the founding of the United States.

By Yara Simón

The Tuskegee syphilis study, also known as the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Untreated Syphilis Study at Tuskegee, is one of the most infamous chapters in the history of U.S. public health and scientific research. PHS, in collaboration with the Tuskegee Institute, conducted the study, which aimed to observe the natural history of untreated syphilis in Black men from Macon County, Alabama.

By Yara Simón

California, the Golden State, is synonymous with stunning beaches, innovative tech hubs and Hollywood glamour. As the most populous state in the U.S., California is home to some of the nation's largest and most influential cities.

By Mack Hayden

The least populated state in the U.S. offer a unique glimpse into the country's quieter and slower ways of life.

By Ada Tseng

The 13 original colonies of the United States were the foundation of what would become a new nation, born from a blend of ambition, conflict and compromise. These colonies stretched along the Atlantic coast, from New Hampshire in the north to Georgia in the south.

By Mack Hayden

Few things capture the spirit of adventure quite like the vast network of highways stretching across the United States. But have you ever wondered which road takes the crown as the longest?

By Mack Hayden

From time to time, the United States federal government experiences a shutdown, reminding the country's citizens just how difficult it is to align federal funding with political power and public policy.

By Marie Look

Off the top of your head, you may know JFK as the youngest president in U.S. history, and you'd be correct that he was the youngest to be elected. But what about the youngest person to ascend - that is, the youngest VP to become president after the death of an incumbent?

By Mitch Ryan

President Joe Biden became the oldest president in U.S. history when he took the oath of office in 2020 at 78 years old. The former senator of Delaware also served as vice president for two consecutive terms of the Obama administration between 2009 and 2017.

By Mitch Ryan

State capitals provide a centralized location for the state's administrative, legislative and sometimes judicial branches. This facilitates efficient governance by bringing together key decision-makers, lawmakers and administrative staff in one place, streamlining communication, coordination and policy implementation.

By Karina Ryan

The United States Census Bureau tracks the population of all incorporated places in the United States. Incorporated places include cities, towns, villages, boroughs and municipalities. The government census can identify trends in the growth rate of populations and help communities plan for the future, which is especially important in the biggest cities in U.S. states.

By Karina Ryan

North America is the world's third largest continent by land area, bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America and the Caribbean Sea to the south. This incredible size means there are quite a few countries in North America.

By Marie Look

Embarking on a journey through the United States' historical landscape to learn about the oldest city in America uncovers a rich mosaic of stories that trace back to a time before even the British arrived and settled on the land.

By Desiree Bowie

The last time you poured yourself a bowl of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, you may not have been aware of the complicated history behind this iconic breakfast cereal.

By Marie Look

The "Don't Tread on Me" flag, showing a rattlesnake on a yellow background, has its roots in America's Revolutionary War but has become a right-wing symbol in the 21st century. What does it really mean?

By Dave Roos

There is no more iconic sign in the world than the huge HoIlywood sign that stands in Griffith Park, beckoning the hopeful with dreams of stardom.

By Kate Morgan

The American West was chock full of wild and crazy characters, and not just those portrayed on the big screen. Meet some of the most memorable ones.

By Sarah Gleim

Washington, D.C. is the seat of America's federal government. But what state is Washington, D.C. in?

By Sharise Cunningham

The U.S. comprises states, territories and commonwealths. So how many states are in the U.S.A.?

By Sharise Cunningham

Without the Great Compromise, the U.S. might not have become a nation. The political divisions between big and small states could have been too much to overcome. The final formation of Congress was a stroke of genius.

By Dave Roos

Every year the U.S. president pardons a turkey and Americans eat it up. Not the bird, but the ceremony. How did this priceless tradition even start?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.