As a nation, the United States of America, gained its independence from England, in 1776.
Prior to that, and to the immigration of primarily European settlers escaping religious persecution in their native country, the Native Americans lived in all major areas of the USA.
One of the most significant events to occur in USA history, was the civil war, or also known as the “War of Emancipation” from 1861 through 1865. This war would forever change the way that most Americans view their fellow countrymen, and became the basis for civil rights, for all Americans, regardless of race.
Often called the melting pot, for its diverse heritage of countrymen, immigration to this country continues to shape its course.
As of 2014, the United States of America was comprised of 50 states, 4 territories and the District of Columbia.
The USA is extremely diversified in geography, has a rich natural history and due to strict laws, a very clean environment compared to many other countries in the world. From the rain forest of Hawaii, to the sunny beaches of California, to the primeval evergreen forest of northern California, Oregon and Washington, to the vast expanse of desert in New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, and the open grasslands of Montana and Wyoming, to the bayous and swamps of Louisiana and Georgia, and the rolling mountains of Tennessee and Virginia, to the deep and yet unexplored stretches of the Alaska wilderness, this country has a bounty of natural resources for its citizens and visitors to enjoy.
