Author Biographical Information

Christopher Columbus

European explorer whose voyages across the Atlantic opened the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

John Smith

English soldier, explorer, and colonist associated with the Jamestown settlement. He wrote about Virginia and promoted colonization of the New World.

William Bradford

Pilgrim leader and longtime governor of Plymouth Colony. He wrote about the struggles and experiences of the Plymouth settlers.

Anne Bradstreet

Early American poet and one of the first published English poets in North America. Her poetry often discusses family, marriage, religion, and personal experiences.

Mary Rowlandson

Puritan woman whose account describes her captivity among Native Americans during King Philip’s War and her eventual return to English society.

John Winthrop

Puritan leader and governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. He emphasized the religious purpose of the colony and the importance of creating a Christian community.

Jonathan Edwards

Major Puritan preacher associated with the Great Awakening. His sermons emphasized human sinfulness, God’s power, and the need for repentance.

Benjamin Franklin

American writer, printer, inventor, scientist, and political figure. His writings often emphasize practical wisdom, hard work, self-improvement, and reason.

J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur

French-born writer who wrote about life in colonial America and explored what made someone an American.

Thomas Paine

Political writer and revolutionary whose Common Sense argued for American independence from Britain.

Alexander Hamilton

American political leader and one of the authors of The Federalist. He supported a strong national government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson

American statesman and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His writings discuss natural rights, liberty, government, and American society.

Phillis Wheatley

Enslaved African American poet who became one of the first published African American poets. Her poetry frequently includes Christian and classical references.

Judith Sargent Murray

Early American writer who argued for greater equality for women, especially regarding education and intellectual ability.

Roger Williams

Religious thinker and founder of Rhode Island who advocated religious liberty and separation between church and government.

William Penn

Founder of Pennsylvania who promoted religious tolerance and peaceful relations with Native Americans.

Cecilius Calvert (Lord Baltimore)

Proprietor of Maryland who was associated with the colony's establishment as a place where Catholics could find greater religious freedom.

James Oglethorpe

Founder of Georgia who promoted the colony as a place for people who needed a new opportunity and as a buffer against Spanish Florida.

Metacom

Also known as King Philip, a Native American leader who led a major conflict against New England colonists known as King Philip’s War.

Dekanawidah

Haudenosaunee leader associated with the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy and the idea of unity among Native nations.

Increase Mather

Puritan minister and influential religious leader in colonial New England. He was involved in Puritan religious and political affairs.

Cotton Mather

Puritan minister and prolific writer in colonial New England. He wrote extensively about religion, morality, and New England society.

Alexis de Tocqueville

French political thinker and writer who studied American democracy and society.

George Whitefield

Famous evangelical preacher associated with the First Great Awakening. He was known for his powerful preaching style and influence throughout the American colonies.

John Calvin

Protestant religious thinker whose ideas influenced Puritan theology, especially ideas concerning God's authority, human sinfulness, and salvation.

William Penn

Founder of Pennsylvania and advocate of religious tolerance.

Roger Williams

Founder of Rhode Island and advocate of religious freedom and separation of church and government.