Native Americans inhabited the land now known as the United States of America long before European settlers arrived. When the Europeans settled, there were about 10 million native peoples populating America north of present-day Mexico. Today they make up only 1% of our nation's population.

Most of the early immigrants who came to this country were looking for freedom to work, worship and live, free of persecution.  Some were looking for a way to escape a long prison sentence. Others were brought here against their will. In the 1800's businesses in Europe began to organize the Atlantic Slave Trade, taking captive Africans to America and transporting crops or raw materials from the plantations back to Europe. According to the 1860 U.S. Census there were nearly four million slaves in the 15 states where slavery was legal.

Today America is proud to be recognized as a cultural tapestry, home to many different nationalities, ideas and religions. We are truly unique in that we represent so many religions and cultures in a nation that is only 200 years old.

For most early immigrants, the first stop in this country was Ellis Island, New York . As their ships docked at Ellis Island they were greeted by the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty has stood in the harbor for almost 120 years. It has become an internationally-recognized symbol of freedom and democracy.

Cities in the United States come in all sizes and personalities. Each has its own habits and traditions. Charleston, South Carolina is very different from Cheyenne, Wyoming. But they are both very American.

The Constitution is the set of ideas and laws that gave birth to the United States of America. It was written in 1787 and it very much guides our nation today. Many other nations have used the American Constitution as an instruction book for their own govenments.

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