The fascinating story of how and why all fifty American states were formed—and how they became a part of history's greatest social experiment. Every US state has a unique history that deserves a separate book. The Creation of the American States provides readers with essential information on how each of the fifty states came into being. From the time of the first explorers and settlers to the present day, A. Ward Burian tells the story of how the America was established over the course of four hundred years. He examines what motivated brave souls to venture into an unknown wilderness and then delves into the time frame for each state's discovery, settlement, and consolidation into the United States. With brief biographies interjected that spark human interest and provide perspective to what was taking place, The Creation of the American States shares a better understanding of how the North American continent was transformed from a wilderness into a powerful nation—state by state.