Geography enthusiasts and American history buffs alike will delight in this informative illustrated history of the "discovery", settlement, and expansion of the United States. Beginning with the earliest European arrivals in the 15th century, Seymour I. Schwartz guides readers step by step through the gradual establishment and growth of our country.A fascinating aspect of this story involves the origins of the intriguing and often surprising names given to states, cities, towns, rivers, and other sites across the land. Early settlements were named to honor Spanish and French royalty, later, names were borrowed from English cities and villages, and throughout the country are found places named by the Native Americans who first peopled the continent.Contemporary maps -- from the first depiction of each new state to modern maps created with the latest technology -- along with engravings, paintings, and photographs, make This Land Is Your Land a fascinating history.