is a narrative non-fiction title that takes an instructive, often entertaining, look at how lesser known or forgotten events from our collective past brought us the world we all travel through today. Readers will gain a renewed appreciation for the novel inventions and engineering innovations we often take for granted. True stories about innovative, brave people, and epic journeys we never heard much about. The story initially unfolds along the streets and avenues of Washington, DC; painting a word tapestry of how Washington evolved to become "Washington" in the first place. From there, the story expands into the surrounding regions, introducing diverse people through history that played key roles in the unique birth and evolution of our country and the North American continent. History reveals for us that cultures from all around the world had direct or indirect roles in everything that ultimately came to pass on the North American continent. The "slice of history" examined in this book shines light on the undeniable link between evolving transportation innovations and the ability of early explorers to leverage these creations to change our world. The author has included an abundance of personal experiences, in both domestic and international settings, to bring color and authenticity to the story. This unique compilation of historic facts, woven together with the author's personal experiences, makes for an entertaining and educational read. Readers will certainly gain a fuller appreciation for our untold past, and the priceless nature of our own personal journeys.