North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Every year, there are nearly five million people who come to see the Statue of Liberty, but its popularity is causing an issue and leading to a negative experience for many. Therefore, the National Park Service, in response to the negative visitor experience people have had to both the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island, is limiting organized tours to certain areas of the sites.
During the 19th century, Mexican explorer Antonio Armijo was forging the way from New Mexico to California . En route to Los Angeles, the group veered from the traditional path in 1829, settling 100 miles (161 kilometers) northeast of present-day Las Vegas. Rafael Rivera, along with his scouting party, rode west to find water; Rivera left the group to venture into the desert on his own, setting his eyes upon the oasis of Las Vegas Springs. The land was named Las Vegas, meaning “the meadows,” after the verdant grasses found growing in the valley.
Thirteen civil rights activists, dubbed "Freedom Riders," began a bus trip through the South. The first Riders left Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1961, and was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on May 17.
New York City's Empire State Building was dedicated on this day in 1931. President Herbert Hoover dedicated New York City’s Empire State Building, pressing a button in the White House that turned on the building’s lights for the first time, 45 five days ahead of its original projected opening date.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City to become the first President of the United States. John Adams was elected as his Vice President.
President John Adams signed into law an act establishing the Library of Congress on April 24, 1800. The same act transferred of the seat of government of the United States from Philadelphia to the District of Columbia.
Conch Republic was founded on April 23, 1982. Drug smuggling and illegal immigration during the early 1980's were prevalent in southern Florida. The United States Border Patrol set up roadblocks and an inspection point in Key West in order to search vehicles. Traffic delays inconvenienced both locals and tourists and the Key West City Council's complaints fell on deaf ears.
The most popular Airbnb isn’t in Europe, Thailand or some other exotic location along a beach somewhere. It’s actually in the United States near the city of San Francisco in California. In fact, the most popular and booked Airbnb is a semi-rustic mushroom-shaped cabin owned by Michel and Kitty Mrache that sits on redwood treetops of Monterey Bay.
On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made history by signing the 1968 Civil Rights Act into law.
General Robert Edward Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. When Lee took command in 1862 he emerged as a shrewd tactician and battlefield commander and won most of his battles against superior Union armies.
Young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days! This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail crossing eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications in 1860. From Missouri to California the Pony Express riders could deliver a letter faster than ever before.
Lesser known and far less populated than the long distance trail in British Columbia, the East Coast Trail stretches for more than 300 kilometers from Cappahayden in the south to Cape
