American Learning Library Overview

Salem State Capitol Building This videos shows the State Capitol building in Salem, and gives information on its history. Playing time: 2 min
Portland This videos shows driving into Portland, and gives an overview of the city's geography and history. The settlement grew up on the south side of the Columbia River, opposite Fort Vancouver, and was the end of the Oregon Trail. Playing time: 5 min
Fort Clatsop Accurate reconstruction of Fort Clatsop, which was originally by Lewis and Clark when they needed to overwinter near the Pacific Ocean. The video shows the inside and outside of the wooden buildings to give an idea of how they were constructed and what they might have been like to stay in. Playing time: 8 min
Astoria Column A video showing the famous Astoria Column and the history that its pictures tell. Playing time: 4 min
Victorian Mansion, Brownsville An example of a Victorian (19th Century) mansion from the Gilded Age, located in Brownsville, OR. This is a great example of the style of house that wealthy people would have lived in during this period, and explores the outside and inside of the house. Playing time: 8 min
Giant sequoias Shows giant sequoias, also known as redwoods, which grow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These are some of the largest trees in the world, with some reaching a height of 280ft and a diameter of 26ft, and they can live for thousands of years. Playing time: 4 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