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.
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 [...]
On June 3, 1982, Memphis, Tennessee earned its place as the unofficial "Royal Capital" of the United States when Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion opened its doors to the public. The estate, once the private home of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, became a pilgrimage site for fans and history buffs alike. Visitors to Graceland now have the chance to explore the rooms and memorabilia of one of music's greatest legends. For those curious about the history and significance of Graceland, the video below provides an in-depth look at the mansion and the life of Elvis Presley.
Jalisco is the seventh largest state of the 32 states in Mexico. It is rich in history and considered to be the true Mexico since many of the cultural characteristics of the country (Mariachis, the sombrero, Mexican Hat Dance, tequila) originated there. While touring the state we enjoyed a playful swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta and spoke to a resident veterinarian about how Dolphin Discovery is at the forefront of marine life conservation.
Today we’ll go on some remarkable adventures and we’ll review the history of friendship between the United States and Japan. Mary Anne Potts has worked in the adventure travel editorial space for more than eleven years. She started on the editorial staff of National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2001 and has moved up the ranks from there. She has run the magazine’s website and also launched its social media presence. Mary Anne continues to run Adventure as a standalone digital brand for National Geographic and includes her National Geographic Adventure blog which Outdoor Magazine recognized as No. 3 within its Top 10 List of Adventure blogs. Richard Wiese has been called the modern day Indiana Jones. He is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s new program, Born to Explore. As an explorer and field scientist Richard has traveled to all seven continents. From tagging jaguars in the Yucatan jungles [...]
Join World Footprints as we explore Lynchburg, Virginia's history on an art and architectural tour including spotlight stops at the Point of Honor historic home and the Riverviews Artspace.
In one of her last interviews, the late Dr. Maya Angelou spent time with us to share her early life, lessons learned along her adult journey and golden nuggets of wisdom.
