Here is an inspired biography of the United States of America which clearly depicts its dynamic national growth, as projected through the history and development of each individual state. 

The chronology begins at the time of the America's earliest explorers and settlers, when the land was a vast wilderness whose resources were virtually untouched. Europeans, seeking a new way of life, came from across the Atlantic Ocean with their own civilization and a variety of cultures, ideas and skills. And here they found the New World. . .or, to be more accurate, here they molded it. For it was only an amalgam of pioneering spirit, diligence, a sense of social conscience and human rights, and an unalterable love of independence and freedom, that the founding citizens and their descendants formed the character and stature of America.

From the first settlements in the New England area, American frontiersmen moved steadily southward along the Atlantic coastline, then westward to the Great Lakes, across the prairies and great plains to the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, and on to the Pacific. In the same regional progression, Earl Schenck Miers has arranged his book to relate the distinctive characteristics of each state and its people.

As a distinguished historian, the author provides a thoroughly researched and readable narrative of the part every state has played in the nation's development; the events leading to its organization as a territory and admission to the Union; its earliest settlers; the names and achievements of its celebrated sons and daughters; and significant facts about each state's leading cities, products and landmarks.

Eleanor Mill's illustrations throughout the book are an impressive accompaniment to the roll call of the states, accurately reflecting the energy of the people and the country. Artist Leonard Darwin has also prepared maps for each state, showing principal cities, industries, resources, mountain ranges and waterways, as well as representative flowers, birds and emblems. In addition to these informative maps, there are seven regional maps in full color.

From the dust jacket