This volume has proven useful time and again for both personal curiosity into the documents and philosophies of those who founded the United States of America from the colonial period through the Civil War as well as academic research and reference for historical and philosophical papers. It includes not only the major documents concerning the United States but also documents particular to specific state as well as early essays on women's rights and Native Americans by important philosophers, activists, poets, thinkers and tribal leaders. This book is well worth the investment for both personal and professional uses.