Describes the history of exploration and pioneering in the United States, from the earliest recorded times to the year 1890, highlighting the journeys of the first European explorers of North America, the pioneers who ventured across the land, the search for the Northwest Passage, and the settlement of the American West.

Crossing the Atlantic -- Columbus arrives -- The conquistadors -- Exploring the coast -- Drake's lust for gold -- Raleigh and Roanoke -- Opening up the interior -- Spanish missions -- Lewis and Clark -- Reaching the Pacific -- Trade and treaties -- The great surveys -- Spanning the continent.