The game begins with the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and ends with the Treaty of Independence of 1782. It can be played either historically or topographically. There are 36 dated entries in the rules booklet that describe the history of North America and the United States from 1492 to 1782. There is also a list of 38 states and capitals, including six that are Canadian, still British possessions at the time of the game.