American Learning Library Overview

Portland A drive through Portland, the largest city in Maine. The settlement was built around a sheltered bay and peninsular, and became the main northern ice-free port after the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century. Playing time: 10 min
Freeport A drive through Freeport, a typical small town along a major highway, pointing out features as they are passed and describing the development of the settlement over time. Playing time: 5 min
Augusta Shows Augusta, Maine's state capital, including the State House, Governor's Mansion, and Fort Western, the oldest wooden fort in America. In colonial times, Augusta developed as a trading post on the Kennebec River, and it is now mainly a government center. Playing time: 6 min
Waterfall settlements along Route 2 A drive along Route 2 through settlements that grew up near waterfalls so they could harness the water to power mills. Featured settlements are Skowhegan, and Rumford, which was settled in 1779. Playing time: 8 min
York A drive through York, explaining the history and geography of the settlement, which is one of the oldest in America, and is now known as an upscale town resort. Playing time: 3 min
Logging in 1906 Historic footage of logging in Maine in 1906. Playing time: 3 min
The history of America An introductory video about the history of America, from Native American peoples to the present day, through early settlers, colonial times, revolution and independence, Civil War, the Gilded Age, Immigration, the Great Depression, and more. Designed to support our 'History of America' book. Playing time: 15 min