Before the founding of the United States in 1776, America was already home to various groups of people. In the 1500s, Europeans began exploring and colonizing the Americas, leading to the establishment of colonies on the east coast. These early settlers laid the foundation for the diverse population that would come to inhabit America.

One of the first groups to arrive in America before 1776 were the Native Americans. Native American tribes had been living on the continent for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes had their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions. They lived off the land and had complex societies with organized governing structures.

As European exploration of the Americas continued, other groups began to arrive as well. The Spanish were among the first Europeans to establish colonies in the Americas. They set up settlements in present-day Florida, California, and the Southwest. 

The Spanish brought with them their language, religion, and customs, which would greatly influence the culture of the region.

Another group that came to America before 1776 were the French. French explorers and traders established colonies along the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. They also played a key role in the fur trade with Native American tribes. The French left a lasting impact on the culture and language in the areas they settled.

In addition to the Europeans, African slaves were brought to America before 1776. The transatlantic slave trade saw millions of Africans forcibly brought to America to work on plantations and in households. The contributions of African slaves to American society, culture, and economy cannot be overstated.

Overall, the history of America before 1776 is a rich tapestry of different peoples and cultures coming together to create a diverse and vibrant nation. The interactions between Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, and others shaped the course of American history and continue to influence the country today.