This online version of the preeminent print edition consists of approximately 19,000 biographies of well-known deceased Americans (loosely defined as someone whose significant actions occurred during his or her residence within what is now the United States, or whose life or career directly influenced the course of American history). The online version has many strengths, including being searchable full text and by birthplace, gender, birth/death dates, and occupations and realms of renown. Entries are also indexed within five special collections: Black History, Women's History, Asian Pacific-American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage, and American Indian Heritage. More than 2500 illustrations, lacking in the print, are available in the online version. Of special note is the inclusion of the contents of the Oxford Companion to United States History Encyclopedia, which allows for cross-references and adds context to the biographical entries. (Updated Semi-annually)