Note: This article was published previously on The Family History Guide blog site in July 2023.

As we just celebrated Independence Day in the United States, let’s remember our ancestors who lived in British Colonial America (what the United States used to be). There are some helpful resources in The Family History Guide to get you started or help you further your research, as you discover your ancestors’ lives. Let’s take a look at a few of them …

Revolutionary War Records

In Goal E2 of the United States page, check out Choice A to get started with Revolutionary War records. There is a brief introduction video by James Tanner, followed by a section on Records and Resources (how to find Revolutionary War records and how to read them) and another on Events and People (civilian patriots, loyalists, etc.). At the end of the Choice you’ll find a number of QUIKLinks to Revolutionary War record collections from FamilySearch and Ancestry. In the Vault, you can find additional links to articles and videos, such as for pension records and Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

British Colonial America Resources

Although doing research in British Colonial America can sometimes be a challenge, The Family History Guide can help. In Goal D3 of the United States page, Choice A covers early American and colonial immigration resources. There are several videos that discuss research strategies, articles that explore how to find records, Mayflower family resources, and more. The Vault has a Next Steps section with additional articles and videos for British Colonial research.

Regional Research

You can find more information about ancestors in British Colonial America by exploring Goal A3 in the United States page. Choice C covers New England and the Mid-Atlantic area, while Choice D covers the Southern area. There are also individual U.S. state pages that may extend back to highlight pre-statehood resources.

We wish you a happy and safe rest of July, and thanks again for the important work you do in bringing your ancestors’ lives and stories to light!