The U.S. Colonial Period is a captivating era, filled with the beginnings of modern America. For those looking to explore the fascinating origins of this nation, there’s no better way than diving into well-researched books that cover the major events, figures, and turning points of this period. Whether you’re passionate about early American history, curious about the Revolutionary War, or intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials, these top 10 books on U.S. Colonial Period History are must-reads.
Mary Williams
Mary Williams is a historian specializing in U.S. Colonial Period History. With years of research and writing under her belt, she brings a seasoned perspective on the formative years of the United States.
10. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,437 reviews)
Buy Mayflower on Amazon
This engaging account of the Mayflower’s journey and its impact on American history offers a rich narrative of the Pilgrims’ trials and triumphs.
Why You’ll Love It:
Philbrick excels at weaving together personal stories with historical contexts, making this book both informative and captivating.
Fun Fact:
The original Mayflower voyage carried 102 passengers, nearly half of whom died during the first winter in America.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
9. The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America by Russell Shorto
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,973 reviews)
Buy The Island at the Center of the World on Amazon
This book uncovers the untold story of the Dutch colony that existed in Manhattan long before it became New York City.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re curious about how New York came to be, this book provides a lesser-known but fascinating part of U.S. Colonial Period History.
Fun Fact:
The Dutch bought Manhattan from the Native Americans for goods worth just 60 guilders, about $1,000 today.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
8. The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (332 reviews)
Buy The Bulletproof George Washington on Amazon
Barton highlights little-known stories of George Washington’s early life during the French and Indian War.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for readers interested in George Washington’s life before the presidency, focusing on his survival against overwhelming odds.
Fun Fact:
During a key battle, four bullets ripped through Washington’s coat, but none hit him.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
7. Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates by Eric Jay Dolin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,022 reviews)
Buy Black Flags, Blue Waters on Amazon
This book offers a thrilling history of piracy in colonial America, from the Golden Age of Pirates to their impact on American shores.
Why You’ll Love It:
Packed with adventure and historical detail, it’s a perfect read for those intrigued by the rougher side of U.S. Colonial Period History.
Fun Fact:
Blackbeard’s pirate career lasted only two years, but his fearsome reputation endures centuries later.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
6. Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts by Bill O’Reilly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,403 reviews)
Buy Killing the Witches on Amazon
O’Reilly’s book on the Salem Witch Trials sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in early American history.
Why You’ll Love It:
For those interested in legal injustice and religious paranoia, this account is a compelling read.
Fun Fact:
The first person executed during the Salem Witch Trials was Bridget Bishop, on June 10, 1692.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
5. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (7,354 reviews)
Buy The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin on Amazon
This classic autobiography offers an intimate look into the life of one of America’s founding fathers.
Why You’ll Love It:
Franklin’s wit and wisdom make this both an informative and entertaining read about one of the most innovative minds of the colonial period.
Fun Fact:
Franklin’s inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
4. The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America by Walter R. Borneman
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (703 reviews)
Buy The French and Indian War on Amazon
Borneman explores the French and Indian War, a pivotal conflict that set the stage for the American Revolution.
Why You’ll Love It:
Borneman’s detailed storytelling gives insight into how this often-overlooked war shaped U.S. Colonial Period History.
Fun Fact:
The war led to Britain imposing taxes on American colonists, which became one of the key causes of the American Revolution.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
3. The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution by John Oller
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,949 reviews)
Buy The Swamp Fox on Amazon
Oller’s biography of Francis Marion details how this lesser-known Revolutionary War hero used guerrilla tactics to outmaneuver the British.
Why You’ll Love It:
For fans of military history, this book offers a deep dive into how Marion’s tactics were pivotal in defeating the British.
Fun Fact:
Marion’s guerrilla warfare techniques are still studied in military academies today.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
2. Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts by Bill O’Reilly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,403 reviews)
Buy Killing the Witches on Amazon
O’Reilly’s Killing the Witches recounts the tragic and horrifying Salem Witch Trials.
Why You’ll Love It:
O’Reilly’s fast-paced narrative makes history accessible and engrossing.
Fun Fact:
The Salem Witch Trials inspired Arthur Miller’s famous play, The Crucible.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
1. Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts by Bill O’Reilly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,403 reviews)
Buy Killing the Witches on Amazon
O’Reilly’s gripping account of the Salem Witch Trials captures the hysteria that plagued colonial Massachusetts, making it a must-read.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book’s detailed account of paranoia and injustice makes it a definitive resource on the Salem Witch Trials.
Fun Fact:
Many of the accused witches were hanged on Gallows Hill, a symbol of this dark chapter in history.
Category: U.S. Colonial Period History
Check out some more Top10 categories at www.top10books.org
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”