Welcome to American History Central
A digital encyclopedia of American History covering people, places, events, and topics from prehistory to the 20th Century. It is a resource for students, teachers, and anyone interested in learning more about the extraordinary history of the United States.
Browse content A to Z or by Time Period, Entries, Images, and Primary Documents. Content has also been aligned with the US History Standards to help students gain a deeper understanding of essential topics.
Welcome back for the 2026–2027 School Year!
New Encyclopedia entries
Walter Raleigh
Raleigh was an English soldier, explorer, and adventurer who financed English expeditions to North America, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Although his settlements at Roanoke and Guiana failed, they helped pave the way for later English settlement at Jamestown. He is recognized as one of the most important people in English colonial history.
Philadelphia Associators
The Philadelphia Associators were a volunteer military organization founded in Philadelphia in 1747 by a group of men, including Benjamin Franklin. The Associators reinforced General George Washington’s Army in 1776 and eventually became part of Pennsylvania’s military forces.
Election of 1824
The Presidential Election of 1824 was the tenth election for the Office of President held in the United States. Democratic-Republicans John Quincy Adams (President) and John C. Calhoun (Vice President) won the election in controversial fashion. Adams’s win ended the Age of Jefferson, the Era of Good Feelings, and the Virginia Dynasty.
Election of 1820
The Presidential Election of 1820 was the ninth election for the Office of President held in the United States. Democratic-Republicans James Monroe (President) and Daniel D. Tompkins (Vice President) essentially ran unopposed and won reelection. Monroe’s win continued the Age of Jefferson, Jeffersonian Democracy, and the Virginia Dynasty.
Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda
Sepúlveda was a leading Spanish historian and scholar who argued that the native peoples of the Americas were inferior to Europeans. He is primarily remembered for the Valladolid Debate (1550–1551) with Bartolomé de Las Casas over Spanish colonial policies, including native rights and treatment.
Short Hints and Stubborn Things
Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony
Pilgrim Fathers
They made the journey to the New World on the Mayflower in search of religious freedom and a new start. Upon arrival, they overcame incredible odds to survive, which altered the course of history. Over time, they have become known as the Pilgrim Fathers, and they are the Founding Fathers of New England.
The Mayflower
In 1620, the Mayflower made its historic voyage from England to America. Although we will never know the names of all passengers and crew, more than 100 of them have been documented, including Separatists, Planters, Servants, Workers, and Crewmembers.
Colonial America and the French and Indian War
Most Popular
American Revolution and Revolutionary War
Most Popular
The Shot Heard ‘Round the World — April 18–19, 1775
2025 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. In preparation, we have compiled a significant number of resources that commemorate the Lexington Alarm, the Midnight Riders, and the battles — the Shot Heard ‘Round the World.
The New Jersey Campaign
Retreat Through New Jersey
After British forces captured Fort Lee on November 20, 1776, General George Washington and his army were forced to retreat through New Jersey and take refuge in Pennsylvania. It was a low point for Washington and the Continental Army, but it set the stage for the incredible Crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night.
Crossing the Delaware
On Christmas Night of 1776, George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River during a brutal snowstorm. A few hours later, Washington attacked Trenton, defeated the Hessian garrison, and turned the tide of the war.
Battle of Trenton
The Continental Army, led by George Washington, launched a sneak attack on Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The night before, on Christmas, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River undetected. A bold move that led to a resounding victory. It was Washington’s first major victory in the American Revolutionary War.
