This document summarizes the historical settlement of North America by various groups over time. It discusses:
- Early Native American populations and their diversity.
- The initial exploration and settlement of North America by Europeans starting in the 15th century, including the Spanish, French, English and Portuguese.
- The establishment of colonies and the evolution of new cultures as European and Native cultures mixed.
- The major impacts of European contact, including population declines among Native Americans due to disease and conflicts over land use.
64. Legacy French language spread in the United States. Counties marked in yellow are those where 6-12% of the population speak French at home; brown, 12-18%; red, over 18%. St. Martin Parish, Louisiana (pop. 48,583) - 27.44% French-speaking Evangeline Parish, Louisiana (pop. 35,434) - 25.71% French-speaking Vermilion Parish, Louisiana (pop. 53,807) - 24.89% French-speaking Aroostook County, Maine (pop. 73,938) - 22.37% French-speaking Lafourche Parish, Louisiana (pop. 89,974) - 19.12% French-speaking Acadia Parish, Louisiana (pop. 58,861) - 19.04% French-speaking Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (pop. 41,481) - 17.64% French-speaking Assumption Parish, Louisiana (pop. 23,388) - 17.58% French-speaking St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (pop. 87,700) - 16.70% French-speaking Coos County, New Hampshire (pop. 33,111) - 16.17% French-speaking Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana (pop. 31,435) - 16.15% French-speaking Lafayette Parish, Louisiana (pop. 190,503) - 14.37% French-speaking Androscoggin County, Maine (pop. 103,793) - 14.29% French-speaking
65. Roanoke Colony: The Lost Colony This was the first English colony in North America. It was Founded in 1585 by Sir Walter Raleigh. It was set up to bring In riches from the New World, and to launch attacks on the Spanish in America. It was a private venture. It was financed By Raleigh, with permission of the Queen. The colony failed. After 1587, English ships were Unable to get back to the colony for three Years. When they came back, no one Was there. The word “CROATOAN” Was carved into a tree. Croatan Was the name of a local tribe of Native Americans. It is unknown whether the colony Went with them willingly, however, there were no bodies At the colony, and it is rumored that years later when the Area was being explored, a tribe of Natives was found Already practicing Christianity. Other theories suggest that The Spanish wiped out the colony, the colony tried to return to England on their own and were lost at sea. One thing that Probably had an impact was the weather. Evidence from tree Rings shows that the worst drought in 800 years struck while The colonists were waiting to be resupplied. This certainly made Life very difficult for the new colony.
75. Plymouth Rock Plymouth Rock, described by some as "the most disappointing landmark in America" because of its small size and poor visitor access.