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
New York Campaign
The New York Campaign was the second major military campaign of the American Revolutionary War. During the campaign, the British slowly pushed the Americans out of New York City, off of Manhattan Island, and into New Jersey. This gave the British control of New York City, which they maintained for the remainder of the war; however, it also set the stage for dramatic American victories at Trenton and Princeton.
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
Coronado was a Spanish explorer, Conquistador, and Governor of Nueva Galicia who led a major expedition across the American Southwest and Great Plains from 1540 to 1542 in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Cíbola and the wealthy kingdom of Quivira. Although the expedition failed to find the riches it sought, it expanded Spanish knowledge of the region and led to conflict with Native American Indian groups.
Hernán Cortés
Cortés was a Spanish explorer and Conquistador who led the Conquest of the Aztecs (1519–1521). With Spanish soldiers and Native allies, he captured Tenochtitlán, established Spanish control over much of Mexico, and helped create a model for later European expeditions in North and South America.
Georgia Colony
Georgia was the last of Britain’s 13 Original Colonies in America. It was established in 1732 as a refuge for the “Worthy Poor” and a military buffer against threats from Spanish Florida and New France. Under James Oglethorpe, the first settlers established Savannah and successfully defended Georgia during the War of Jenkins’ Ear. It became a Royal Colony in 1752. The colony’s reliance on support from Parliament made it hesitant to join the Patriot Cause during the American Revolution.
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.
