Picture yourself sailing thousands of miles in a tiny, crowded boat on rough seas. Then imagine landing with only the supplies you could bring with you.
There’s no home to move into. There are no stores that sell food or clothing. It’s your job to build a new life from scratch. Why would you do it?
Some people moved to North America looking for riches. Others wanted the freedom to practice their religion. And many people hoped that living in a new place would give them a better life. These newcomers built settlements, or new communities, that left their mark on the land. Towns and cities grew from early settlements. Places such as Des Moines and Santa Fe have names that the original French and Spanish settlers gave them.
Let’s visit some of the first European settlements in North America.
