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The Virginia Company
The Virginia Company, established in 1606, was a joint-stock company that sought to discover treasure in the New World. -
Jamestown
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, was established in 1607. -
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was a democratically elected assembly that met in the colony of Virginia and was officially established by the Virginia Company in July of 1619. It was considered to be the lower house of the colonial Virginia government. -
The first slaves
In 1619, the first African slaves, around 350, were boarded on a ship and brought to America. Between sickness, disease, and hunger, around half of them died before reaching land. -
The Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first agreement between the settlers of New Plymouth. This consisted of a set of self-governing laws for the English settlers written by male passengers from the Mayflower who were fleeing religious persecution. -
The Navigation Act
The Navigation Act, established in 1660, was a set of laws created to regulate English ships and the trade between the colonies and outside countries. -
Charleston
In 1670, the city of Charleston, South Carolina was founded by English colonists. The city was initially named Charles Town to honor King Charles II. It was a central city important for colonial expansion and trading. -
King Philip's War
King Philip's War, also known as the First Indian War, began in 1675 and was a dispute between the Native Americans of New England and the New England colonists. This war marked the Native American's last chance to end English settlement on their Native lands. It was one of the bloodiest wars in U.S. history. -
Bacon's Rebellion
In 1619, Nathaniel Bacon led the Virginia Settlers against the Colonial Governor William Berkeley. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were hearings of women accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusettes. This resulted in 200 accusations and around 20 hangings.
