This article describes the characteristics that distinguish South Dakota from other regions. South Dakota is mainly a rural state and it is known for two monumental sculptures carved into the Black Hills--Mount Rushmore, which honors presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, and the Crazy Horse Monument, which honors the Oglala Sioux war chief. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Tennessee from other regions. Called the "Volunteer State," Tennessee became the 16th state of the Union in 1796. It was the first territory admitted as a state under the federal Constitution. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Texas from other regions. Although it has a wild, frontier history, today Texas is a major producer of oil and has important centers of industry and finance. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Utah from other regions. Utah began when Brigham Young led a group of Mormon pilgrims seeking freedom from religious persecution into the Great Salt Lake Valley, where they established a settlement in 1847. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Vermont from other regions. Some of Vermont's major industries are dairy farming and tourism. One of the most picturesque states, Vermont has millions of visitors each year who come to see the leaves turn colors in the fall and the snow-covered mountains in the winter.Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Virginia from other regions. Virginia holds an important place in American history, as it was home to many of the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry. Four of America's first five presidents were Virginians. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Washington state from other regions such as its coastal location and mountain ranges.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Washington D.C. from other regions. In 1790, Congress chose the District of Columbia as the permanent seat of government. Washington, D.C., was originally carved out of land transferred from Maryland and Virginia (Virginia's portion south of the river was returned to that state in 1846). Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish West Virginia from other regions. For a long time, West Virginia was a leading producer of coal in North America, but many people left to pursue better employment opportunities. That trend has turned around, and now the state's economy is in a more stable condition. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Wisconsin from other regions. It was formed in 1836 and was admitted into the Union as the 30th state in 1848. Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese, and butter in the country. Click on the links for additional information.

This article describes the characteristics that distinguish Wyoming from other regions. Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state in 1890. The constitution of the "Equality State" was the first in the world to grant voting rights to women. Wyoming was also the first state to elect a woman governor. Click on the links for additional information.

In this resource students will learn about Frederick Law Olmstead. He was considered the number one landscape architect during the 19th century. He won a design contest and created the famous New York City Central Park. He also assisted in the development of Yosemite National Park and Niagara Falls.

This resource reviews the accomplishments of Jane Addams, a worldwide peacemaker. Addams was probably the most beloved woman in America. In a newspaper poll that asked, "Who among our contemporaries are of the most value to the community?" Jane Addams was second, after Thomas Edison. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

This resource provides information about John Brown and his heroic attempts to end slavery. John Brown's raid was perhaps the final spark that ignited the Civil War.

This resource provides a photograph of the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, December 1620, in Colonial America. Click on links for other photographs in order to compare characteristics of this time period.

This resource reviews the accomplishments of one of the most important writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, which was the African American artistic movement in the 1920s that celebrated black life and culture. Hughes's creative genius was influenced by his life in New York City's Harlem, a primarily African American neighborhood. His literary works helped shape American literature and politics.

This resource reviews the accomplishments of Lucretia Coffin Mott. She committed herself to the fight against slavery and war, the abuse of alcohol, and especially the inequality of women.

This webpage provides information about the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This resource reviews the accomplishments of James Baldwin, an African American who was a major figure in both American literature and the civil rights movement. He explored the issue of race in his writings.