Since the founding of the nation, immigration has played a significant role in populating the United States. During the 17th century, most immigrants came from various northwestern countries in Europe; most of these immigrants were of British, German, and Dutch descent. This wave of immigrants settled mainly along the Atlantic coast in the American colonies.

Immigrants from other European colonies settled in what is now midwestern United States. French immigrants settled west of the Appalachian Mountains, while the Spanish settled in what is now the southwestern United States as well as the area which is now Florida; the Spanish influence in language, food, and architecture is undeniable in these regions.

The map below illustrates the settlement of the United States by various racial and ethnic groups. Click on each box to see their routes and where they settled.