Extrait du livre All Around America
Contents These United States 6 The Northeast: From Assateague Island to Estcourt Station 8 Northeast -- Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia 10 Northeast -- New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut 12 Northeast -- Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts 14 The Southeast: From Arlington to the Caribbean 16 Southeast -- Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia 18 Southeast -- Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana 20 Southeast -- Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, The Caribbean Territories 22 The Midwest: From Steubenville to Scottsbluff 24 Midwest -- Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois 26 Midwest -- Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri 28 Midwest -- North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas 30 The Southwest: From Broken Arrow to Nogales 32 Southwest -- Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma 34 The West: From Bellingham to the South Pacific36 West -- Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada 38 West -- Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana 40 West -- California, Alaska, Hawaii, The Pacific Territories 42 Glossary 44 Index 45 Looking for cool and interesting stuff? Watch for WOW facts on the pages of every World of Wonder book!
These United States From the very beginning, America has been a land filled with adventure, unique peoples and amazing sights. The Early Settlements English, French, and Spanish settlements dotted the shores of North America. The English claimed much of the Atlantic seacoast. The French claimed parts of the Deep South around what we know today as Louisiana. They also claimed land upriver through Missouri and further north in Canada. The Spanish claimed Florida and land to the southwest. The First 13 and Beyond America grew from the 13 English colonies. After winning its freedom from England, the young country grew and grew. It bought land from France called the Louisiana Purchase. It even bought a large chunk of snowy land from Russia which we called Alaska. It also fought wars with Spain over Texas and the western half of North America. It won the land from Spain along with Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the island of Guam. After World War II, America gave the Philippines its independence, and now it is its own country. However, Guam and Puerto Rico are still part of the United States. They're called a U.S. territory. You Called Me a What?! While most states are...well, states, there are some that are called a "commonwealth." We know them as the states of Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Why? All but Kentucky were part of the original 13 colonies. When they became independent, they wanted to change the name to show they were not run by a king. They were run by the "common" voice of the people. That meant everyone got to vote on laws and rules. How are States Made? States are areas of land located within the boundary of a country such as the United States of America. Most states start out as territories of the U.S. (except the original 13 colonies). When enough people want to become a state, they ask to be made a state. The government of the United States, or "Federal" Government, tells them to write a constitution ≠ a set of rules or laws for their state. Once they do this, they send it back to the Federal Government. The government then votes to "admit" the state into the "Union." If it is admitted, it becomes an official state of the United States. Finally, the President proclaims it a state, and a new star is added to the U.S. flag! What is Washington, D.C.? The Founding Fathers of the United States did not want any state to have power over the capital city. So, Virginia and Maryland donated land to create a special district on the Potomac River, which was called the District of Columbia. The new capital city was named after George Washington, and it was built within the new District. Unlike a state, the District of Columbia is governed by the Federal Government. The only government it has is a mayor and a city council. The people also vote for a person to represent them in Congress, but its representative can't vote on federal laws. It may not seem fair, but that's life in the District!
The Northeast From Assateague Island, MD, to Estcourt Station, ME New England The Northeast was the site of some of the earliest settlements. Most of the people who came in those early years were English Protestants. They were seeking a place where they would be free to practice their religion without interference from the government. They also believed strongly in the voice of the people and often held town meetings. At those meetings, everyone could participate in making laws to govern their communities. It's no wonder they began to resent being ruled by a king across the sea who wouldn't listen to their concerns. The people of New England were a tough breed tasked with taming a tough land. They learned how to get things done when they had few resources. They valued education. They knew how important it was to work smarter. So it's no surprise they started a number of colleges and universities, beginning with Harvard in 1636. Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown are just a few of the other schools they started. New England has also had a huge cultural influence on the country. Emily Dickenson, Edgar Allen Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are among the many writers and poets from the area. Of course, this could be partly due to the amount of time spent indoors in the winter. The bitter cold can be tough to weather unless you're busy skiing the slopes of the mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Spring is filled with blossoms and green. Summers are a time to go to the beach to enjoy a good clam or lobster bake. And fall is a heavenly blanket of color as the leaves turn color. The Mid-Atlantic Region The Mid-Atlantic is a true melting pot of cultures, cities, and natural landscapes. People from a wide variety of countries settled in the region. They blended their skills and turned the region into an industrial powerhouse. Some turned to mining. Others took those raw materials and forged steel and other products. Many of the products were shipped using rivers like the Delaware River in Philadelphia or the Hudson River in New York City. They also shipped things via their many seaports, like Baltimore. Much of the Mid-Atlantic is heavily wooded or rural as you get further away from the coast. The weather here is milder than New England, but the higher elevations can be just as cold in the winter. High humidity can also make the summers steamy unless you happen to be on the coast or on the Chesapeake Bay. Fresh crab and other seafood can always be found there along with a gentle surf.
Maryland (1788) Old Line State / Free State Maryland was called the "Old Line State" by George Washington for the Maryland Line: the soldiers from the state who fought in the Revolutionary War. Being a coastal state, it is well-known for its seafood, sailing and the U.S. Naval Academy. The famous novel, Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry was written about the wild ponies that reside on Assateague and Chincoteague Island. Each year, some of the ponies are rounded up and swim to the mainland to be auctioned to the public. Capital: Annapolis Abbreviation: MD Population (2010): 5,773,552 Total Area: 10,441 sq. mi. (27,042 sq. km) State Motto: "Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine (Manly Deeds, Womanly Words)" State Bird: Baltimore Oriole State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan Sights to See: Eastern Shores/Assateague Island Wild Ponies, Baltimore Harbor/Ft. McHenry (site of the 1814 battle that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner"; Annapolis - Sailing Capital of America Delaware (1787) First State / Diamond State Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and thus earned the name, the "First State." One of the state's early settlers, the Swedish, built the first log cabins in America in Delaware. The capital of Dover also boasts a historic horse racing track and a NASCAR raceway nicknamed the "Monster Mile." The raceway even has a glass section (the Monster Bridge) where you can sit over the track and watch the race! Of course, if you want to see one of the most amazing gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is the place. The gardens started as a farm way back in 1 700. In the 1800s, an arboretum (a garden for trees) was created by the Pierce brothers. Then in 1906, Pierre du Pont took the money he made from his family business (the famous DuPont Company) and created a garden like no other with dazzling fountains. You have to see it! Capital: Dover Abbreviation: DE Population (2010): 897,934 Total Area: 2,023 sq. mi. (5,240 sq. km) State Motto: "Liberty and Independence" State Bird: Blue Hen Chicken State Flower: Peach Blossom Sights to See: Dover Downs/Dover International Speedway, Longwood Gardens, Delaware Beaches Pennsylvania (1787) Keystone State The Keystone State got its nickname from its central role in creating the new country of America. It has been the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed as well as the U.S. Constitution. In fact, Philadelphia was the first U.S. capital. And who can resist the taste of a real Philly Cheese Steak sandwich? With one of the largest populations in the U.S., Pennsylvania is home to a variety of people including the rural Amish and Mennonite communities (much of the state is rural). Pennsylvania also knows how to work hard and play hard. That explains how a city like Pittsburgh is home to both industrial steel mills, winning football teams and the roller coasters of historic Kennywood Amusement Park. But if you want to visit one of the sweetest places on earth, you have to see Hershey, PA. It's where one of the world's largest chocolate factories has been making sweets for over a century. Just be sure to visit Punxsutawney on February 2nd for Ground Hog Day! State Capital: Harrisburg Abbreviation: PA Population (2010): 12,702,379 Total Area: 46,055 sq. mi. (119,282 sq. km) State Motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence" State Bird: Ruffed Grouse State Flower: Mountain Laurel Sights to See: Hershey; Pocono Mountains; Philadelphia - Liberty Bell, Independence Hall; Pittsburgh - Kennywood Amusement Park West Virginia (1863) Mountain State Originally part of Virginia, West Virginia disagreed with its brothers to the South. It was admitted to the Union during the Civil War. Located in the midst of the Appalachian Mountains, it is called the "Mountain State" because it has the highest average elevation of any state east of the Mississippi River. The land is filled with gas and coal pockets making West Virginia one of the best coal-mining sites in the world. But it's the natural beauty of West Virginia that attracts most visitors. Whitewater rafting adventure can be found in the rivers, and the high mountains offer snow skiing in the winter. Truly, West Virginia is an untamed beauty! Capital: Charleston Abbreviation: WV Population (2010): 1,852,994 Total Area: 24,230 sq. mi. (62,755 sq. km) State Motto: "Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)" State Bird: Northern Cardinal State Flower: Great Laurel Sights to See: New River Gorge, Whitewater Rafting - New River, Gauley River, Snow Skiing Snowshoe Mountain
New York (1788) Empire State One of the largest colonies next to Virginia, New York has always been a big part of America. New York City, or the "Big Apple" (its nickname), is the biggest city in the United States. It is home to a wide range of cultures and nationalities that call America home. New York is also known for its manufacturing ≠ everything from scientific technology to clothing. Western New York is much more rural with the Hudson River Valley cutting through the Adirondack Mountains on its 300-mile journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, one of New York's most stunning sights, Niagara Falls, can be found near the Canadian border. It is the oldest state park in America where 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls every second! Capital: Albany Abbreviation: NY Population (2010): 19,378,102 Total Area: 53,095 sq. mi. (137,515 sq. km) State Motto: "Excelsior (Ever Upward)" State Bird: Eastern Bluebird State Flower: Rose Sights to See: New York City - Statue of Liberty, Times Square, World Trade Center Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building; Niagara Falls; Catskill Mountains; Adirondack Mountains New Jersey (1787) Garden State New Jersey was originally named after England's Isle of Jersey, but it's no island. It is surrounded by the Hudson River, the Delaware River, and the Atlantic Ocean. However, it also shares a 50-mile land border with New York. New Jersey also has a number of fun places to visit. There are great beaches, from historic Cape May to the famous Atlantic City boardwalk. Or you can just float down the Delaware River. New Jersey is also the site of the very first baseball game in 1846, as well as the first college football game in 1869. The first dinosaur skeleton in North America was also discovered in New Jersey. So you could call New Jersey a land of firsts! Capital: Trenton Abbreviation: NJ Population (2010): 8,791,894 Total Area: 7,812 sq. mi. (20,233 sq. km) State Motto: "Liberty and Prosperity" State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch State Flower: Blue Violet Sights to See: Cape May; Atlantic City (Steel Pier); Ocean City; Pilesgrove - Cowtown Rodeo; Burlington - Historical District; Jersey City - Liberty State Park; Camden - USS New Jersey Battleship & Museum Rhode Island (1790) Little Rhodie / Ocean State Rhode Island was actually discovered by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524. He was trying to get to France and reached Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay instead. Beautiful Narragansett Bay is home to many islands where Americans love to vacation year after year. Of course, fishing also has a long tradition in Rhode Island. Though it's true that Rhode Island is the smallest state, its capital city, Providence, is the second biggest city in New England behind Boston, MA. The state is also home to many factories that make toys, machines, silverware, and even costume jewelry. Believe it or not, the state bird is actually a breed of chicken (Rhode Island Red). Rhode Islanders are no chickens. It's a very brave state. Back in 1 776, it was the first to declare its independence from England! Capital: Providence Abbreviation: RI Population (2010): 1,052,567 Total Area: 1,221 sq. mi. (3,162 sq. km) State Motto: "Hope" State Bird: Rhode Island Red chicken State Flower: Violet Sights to See: Narragansett - Narragansett Town Beach; Newport - Castle Hill Lighthouse; Block Island; Providence - Roger Williams National Memorial; North Kingstown - Casey Farm; Jamestown -Beavertail State Park Connecticut (1788) Constitution State / Nutmeg State Wherever you turn, Connecticut is filled with great places and great stories! The Old Newgate Prison in Granby was a copper mine that was turned into a prison back in the 1700s. It's said that the spooky ghosts of old prisoners and doomed miners wander its tunnels. Then there is the Mystic Seaport with its recreation of a historic New England seaport and the Mark Twain House (the author's favorite place to live) in Hartford. You can even go inside the U.S.S. Nautilus at the Navy Submarine Museum in Groton. Of course, no visit to Connecticut would be complete without a visit to Yale University (founded in 1701) and its Great Hall of Dinosaurs at the Peabody Natural History Museum. Capital: Hartford Abbreviation: CT Population (2010): 3,574,097 Total Area: 5,004 sq. mi. (12,960 sq. km) State Motto: "Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He Who Transplanted, Sustains)" State Bird: American Robin State Flower: Mountain Laurel Sights to See: Pizza, Mystic Seaport Museum; Hartford - Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Mark Twain House; Yale University - Peabody Natural History Museum; New London - U.S. Coast Guard Academy; East Granby - The Old Newgate Prison; Groton - U.S. Navy Submarine Museum
Maine (1820) Pine Tree State Did you know that Maine was once part of Massachusetts? It was, and it became a state in 1820 as part of the "Missouri Compromise." It made Maine a "free" state to balance out the new "slave" state of Missouri. It was called the Pine Tree State because 90% of Maine is covered in forests. So if you like the great outdoors, then you might consider Maine an outdoor paradise! You could visit Acadia National Park (the nation's smallest national park). See the 40-acre "Desert" of Maine, an ancient glacial sand deposit. Or take a ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad along Portland's waterfront where you can see the Portland Head Light (built in 1 791) ≠ the oldest U.S. lighthouse in use. And be sure to try the lobster. More lobster is caught off Maine's coast than any other state! Capital: Augusta Abbreviation: ME Population (2010): 1,328,361 Total Area: 33,123 sq. mi. (85,788 sq. km) State Motto: "Dirigo (I Lead)" State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee State Flower: White Pine Cone and Tassel Sights to See: Palace Playland; Acadia National Park; Portland - Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland Head Light; Kennebunkport - Seashore Trolley Museum; Augusta - Old Fort Western New Hampshire (1788) Granite State General John Stark of New Hampshire once said, "Live free or die," on the anniversary of the Revolutionary War's Battle of Bennington. So his home state adopted the phrase as its motto. History comes alive in New Hampshire at places like The Brick Store ≠ America's oldest general store. Or drive through the many covered bridges along the way. If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to check out Sweet Maples Sugarhouse to see how maple tree sap becomes syrup. You can also go moose watching on State Route 3, or Moose Alley as it's called. But for the best view, ride the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington ≠ the highest point in the Northeast and the windiest on earth! It once had a recorded wind speed of 231 mph (372 kmh)! Capital: Concord Abbreviation: NH Population (2010): 1,316,470 Total Area: 9,280 sq. mi. (24,035 sq. km) State Motto: "Live Free or Die" State Bird: Purple Finch State Flower: Purple Lilac Sights to See: Pittsburg - Moose Alley (State Route 3); Covered Bridges; Mount Washington Cog Railway; Bath - The Brick Store; Dartmouth College; Salem - Stonehenge USA; Newbury - Sweet Maples Sugarhouse; Charlestown - Fort at No 4, Mount Monadnock Vermont (1791) Green Mountain State Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (the volunteer soldiers of Vermont) fought bravely in the Revolutionary War. They got their name from the green mountains found in the state. However, Vermont was not one of the original colonies and became the 14th state in 1791. Today, Vermont is known for much more. It is the biggest producer of maple syrup in the country. It also has over 100 covered bridges throughout the state. You can find the world's biggest, active, granite quarry in...Graniteville. In the summer, you'll want to drop by the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury. And if it's winter, you might want to strap on some skis and head for Killington. It's one of the top snow skiing destinations in America! Capital: Montpelier Abbreviation: VT Population (2010): 625,741 Total Area: 9,61 7 sq. mi. (24,908 sq. km) State Motto: "Freedom and Unity" State Bird: Hermit Thrush State Flower: Red Clover Sights to See: Killington; Waterbury - Ben & Jerry's Factory; Graniteville - world's largest active rock quarry; Pittsford - New England Maple Museum Massachusetts (1788) Bay State / Old Colony State From the day the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts has been an important part of American history. The Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party happened here. It's the land of Paul Revere's midnight ride where he warned, "The British are coming!" Well, if you're coming by sea, you may want to visit the island of Martha's Vineyard. Many of the rich and famous (including many U.S. presidents) vacation there every year. If you're coming by land, you may want to stop by Provincetown where the wreck of the pirate treasure ship, Whydah, is on display with all its loot! Capital: Boston Abbreviation: MA Population (2010): 6,547,629 Total Area: 8,262 sq. mi. (21,398 sq. km) State Motto: "Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty)" State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee State Flower: Mayflower (Trailing Arbutus) Sights to See: Plymouth Rock; Boston - Freedom Trail (Old North Church, U.S.S. Constitution); Cambridge - Harvard University; Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard; Provincetown - Expedition Whydah Pirate Museum
