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The first permanent English settlement
The first permanent English settlement in North America is established by the Virginia Company at Jamestown in what is now the state of Virginia. -
The Mayflower arrives at Cape Cod
The Mayflower arrives at Cape Cod, bringing the "Pilgrims" who establish the Plymouth Colony. Many of the Pilgrims are Puritans who had fled religious persecution in England. Their religious views come to dominate education in the New England colonies. -
The first Latin Grammar School
The first Latin Grammar School (Boston Latin School) is established. Latin Grammar Schools are designed for sons of certain social classes who are destined for leadership positions in church, state, or the courts. -
The Massachusetts Law of 1647
also known as the Old Deluder Satan Act, is passed. It decrees that every town of at least 50 families hire a schoolmaster who would teach the town's children to read and write and that all towns of at least 100 families should have a Latin grammar school master who will prepare students to attend Harvard College. -
The first New England Primer
The first New England Primer is printed in Boston. It becomes the most widely-used schoolbook in New England. -
The Plymouth Colony merges with the Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Plymouth Colony merges with the Massachusetts Bay Colony. About 50 miles to the north, in Salem, the infamous Salem Witch Trials take place. -
John Locke's Some Thoughts Concerning Education is published
John Locke's Some Thoughts Concerning Education is published, describing his views on educating upper class boys to be moral, rationally-thinking, and reflective "young gentlemen." His ideas regarding educating the masses are conveyed in On Working Schools, published in 1697, which focused on the importance of developing a work ethic. -
The first publicly supported library in the U.S. is established
The first publicly supported library in the U.S. is established in Charles Town, South Carolina. Two years later, the General Assembly of South Carolina passes the first public library law.
