Excerpt from The Story of Our Nation: From the Earliest Discoveries to the Present Time, Including a Complete Account of the Norsemen, The Mound-Builders, Voyages of Columbus and Other Explorers, Adventures and Discoveries, Hardships of Early Settlers, French and Indian Wars, Struggle for Lib

No apology is needed in presenting another history of the United States to the rising generation of our glorious country. No other story is so inspiring and thrilling as that of our own land, from its discovery to the present time. The account of our marvelous progress in civilization, in the arts, in education and in power should be read and re-read to be understood and appreciated.

This work begins with the fascinating recital of the Norse discoveries (more like fable than reality), those wild, impetuous Vikings of old, who were among the first to dare the perils of unknown seas, and carry their conquering hordes into other lands. It gives the authentic history, as well as some of the legends, of those first bold explorers.

It tells of the mysterious mound builders, whose origin, race, and history has so long been a puzzle to scientists, of the daring cliff dwellers, whose inaccessible, cave-like homes were made beside the aeries of the majestic eagle, the national bird of our land, of Columbus, the resolute hero, who discovered a new world in the face of great obstacles, and opened the pathway of American civilization, of the red patriots, who died defending their homes from the relentless grasp of the invader.

Then came the adventurous Spaniards, searching for gold and the fountain of youth, and, by accident rather than by design, making discoveries which thrilled the old world with wonder and incredulity.

The crack of the white settlers musket is heard in the wilderness, and a heroic vanguard of civilization and a new nation is seen marching onward in search of home, of county, of peace and of freedom from oppression.

The gallant little Mayflower, bringing the foundation of a mighty nation, anchors at last beside the "wild New England shore."

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