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1492
Columbus comes to America
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Period: 1492 to
13 Colonies
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Virginia, the first colony, is founded
John Smith and John Rolfe found Virginia. -
Jamestown is established
Over 100 men land on the banks of the James River and are attacked by the natives. John Smith, their leader, orders them to build a fort. A winter damages their settlement, and only 60 men survive. Then Jamestown, the first permanent English colony, is established. -
John Smith Returns
John Smith returns to England in 1609. Four years later, he dies. When Pocahontas comes to Jamestown, she is imprisoned. -
New England colonies established
The pilgrims plan to settle around Jamestown but end up in Cape Cod, which is much further north. About half of these pilgrims die of weather, starvation, and disease. A native teaches the pilgrims how to hunt and grow crops. -
Mayflower Compact is created
The Mayflower Compact, an agreement for keeping order and passing laws, is established. -
The first Thanksgiving is held, and later, more colonies are established.
Governor William Bradford holds a feast and invites the Wampanoags, their chief, and Squanto. Later, more people come to New England and more colonies are established. -
Pennsylvania is founded
(ignore the months and days) King Charles II gives William Penn land in the New World because the king owes Penn's dead father some money. William almost names this land "sylvania," which means "woods," but decides on Pennsylvania. -
William Penn becomes friends with the natives
(ignore the months and days)Penn befriends the natives so the natives and Penn can trade resources and help each other be successful. -
People come to the middle colonies
(ignore the months and days)People come to the middle colonies because of all the freedom, opportunities, and iron. The middle colonies give rise to cities like New York and Philadelphia.
