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.
Settled 100 year earlier by Spain, the territory known as Alta California was rich in natural resources and ocean harbors. In 1846, settled by Europeans moving west,
The long-distance relationship between King George III of England and his American colonies was not going well. On September 5, 1774 a convention was held in Philadelphia, attended by 55 members appointed by the twelve of the thirteen British colonies.
The oldest continuously occupied city in the United States established by Europeans was first sighted on this day in 1565. Explorer Pedro Medendez founded St. Augustine, naming it for St. Augustine of Hippo. He and 600 of his soldiers arrived and settled in an Indian village which they turned into a fortified outpost. In 1566, the first child of European ancestry was born in St. Augustine, some 21 years before the English settlement at Roanoke Island.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks offers everything from open-sea beaches, theatre, wildlife preserves and popular shipwreck diving sites to down home cooking and history. On today’s show we explore these barrier islands and put a spotlight on Thailand and Indonesia. The Outer Bank’s Roanoke Island was the site of the first English settlement in the New World. A local popular theatrical production called “The Lost Colony” celebrates the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. The Lost Colony is America’s longest running outdoor symphonic drama. We’re given a behind the scenes look at this epic drama that has drawn theatre goers every year since 1937. Before the farm-to-table and locally-source movement in food there was Owens Restaurant leading the way. An Outer Banks institution, Owens is North Carolina’s oldest family-owned restaurant having been owned and operated by the same family since 1946. During a visit, we met [...]
On August 19, 1692, five people were hung in Salem, Massachusetts for the crime of witchcraft. The five, one woman and four men, were Martha Carrier, George Burroughs, John Willard, George Jacobes and John Proctor.
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington issued an order to create the Badge of Military Merit, a groundbreaking military decoration that he personally designed. This badge, known today as the Purple Heart, was intended to honor soldiers wounded in battle, representing a notable shift in military recognition.
On July 9, 1868, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. This amendment reshaped the legal landscape of the nation by mandating that no state could deny any person "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law," nor could it refuse "equal protection of the laws" to anyone within its jurisdiction. These deceptively simple words laid the foundation for some of the most transformative Supreme Court rulings of the past century.
People come to the desert for many reasons. Some believe the never-ending sun and the warm, dry air are therapeutic. An hour north of Palm Springs, California, nestled in the lunar landscape of Joshua trees, amid the low desert scrub, lies a place some believe is magical, possibly even supernatural in its healing ability.
On July 4, 1776, a defining moment in world history occurred as the thirteen American colonies officially broke ties with Great Britain. On this day, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the colonies' right to self-governance and marking the birth of a new nation—the United States of America.
On July 1, 1867, with passage of the British North America Act and merging of Canada's three provinces-- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec), the Dominion of Canada was officially established as a self-governing entity within the British Empire. Canadians celebrate this day with tradition fanfare--parades, barbecues, concerts and fireworks. The day also holds welcome ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The British monarchy has been known to join in the celebrations. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the celebration in Canada's capital city, Ottawa. Prince William and his wife, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, attended in 2011. O Canada!Our home and native land!True patriot love in all of us command.With glowing hearts we see thee rise,The True North strong and free!.... Parliament Building in the Canadian capital city of Ottawa.
On June 25, 1876, one of the most significant battles in American history unfolded during the Great Sioux War—the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This fierce clash, also known as "Custer's Last Stand," pitted the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army, led by General George Armstrong Custer, against a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.
World Footprints will talk to intrepid travelers, explore America's Natural Parks and endangered World Heritage Sites, and we'll pay a visit to the Philippines and Northern Florida. First, the Congo's Virunga National Park has been ensnared in bloody conflict for years but National Geographic Explorer correspondent, Justin Hall, discusses whether this vast natural resource can uplift the Congo's fortunes. This park is unique with its active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity of habitats that surpass those of any other African park Then, hear about what lies "Beyond the Horizon" with author and traveler Christopher Many, who has taken some unconventional means to traveler around the world. Also, we welcome back television personality and former Travel Channel host, Samantha Brown, who has joined forces with AARP to celebrate the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service. Finally, Dr. Mechtild Rossler, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center joins World Footprints to discuss [...]
