The legacy of the 13 colonies is an essential building block for elementary social studies students as they develop an understanding of their civic heritage. The Colonial era was a dynamic crucible of politics, human drama, revolution, and resolution, in which the formative principles of American culture and government were born. Here are fact-filled, visually compelling stories of the 13 colonies – from settlement to statehood – plus the intriguing, but pivotal story of the thwarted, though valiant, colonial effort at Roanoke. The mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke settlers was never resolved. This mystery of history is sure to engage young readers!From the Iroquois Indians and Henry Hudson to the establishment of a royal colony, the story of New York is one of conflict and changing leadership. Nonetheless, it weathered the turmoil to earn the nickname, the Empire State. George Washington gave it this moniker because he believed that New York would be the center of the American empire.