The lights of Sin City haven’t always been so bright. Taken in 1955, this vintage shot of Las Vegas shows a surprisingly peaceful looking gambler’s paradise.

Following North America’s discovery in 1492, four European nations laid claim to various parts of the continent: Great Britain, France and Spain competed for modern-day Canada, America, and Mexico, while Russia claimed the Pacific Northwest. Out of this development, 3 new nations were born over the course 5 centuries, which the animated GIF above explores. Interestingly enough, the modern borders of North America were only finalized in 1949, when the Dominion of Newfoundland was transferred as a British colony to control of Canada.

Taken in 1862 during the American Civil War, Lieutenant George Custer sits with his charges from the 2nd U.S. Cavalry in this colorized photograph.