Colonization of North America: The First Settlement

Believe it or not, the first permanent European settlement in North America had nothing to do with Anglo-Saxon Protestants landing at Plymouth Rock, but rather pirates, gold, a fortress, missionaries, massacres, and slaves. In 1565, Spain established St. Augustine (in Florida) as a North American base to protect its treasure ships from French Huguenot pirates. The First Settlement, one of five volumes in the Just the Facts series Colonization of North America, outlines the city's history from its origin through the time of Florida's statehood, examining along the way the critical influence of European geopolitics and the settlement's importance in the greater context of Western civilization. An interesting footnote is a brief mention of nearby Fort Mose, the first legal settlement for free African-Americans in North America, established in 1738 for slaves who escaped English owners in Carolina. Featuring historian interviews, re-enactment footage, and good maps, this excellent production is aimed at junior and senior high school students, but the information is presented clearly enough for younger students (especially those studying Florida history), and would also serve college students needing a quick refresher. The other titles in the series (series price: $99.95) are: The Spanish Settlements, The English Settlements--Part One & Two, and The French Settlements. Highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)