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Jamestown
The London Company founds the first permanent English settlement in the New World. In the first few months, 80% of the settlers were dead from starvation and disease. -
Tobacco
The cash crop is planted in Jamestown and subsequently saves the colony and became the chief export of the early colonies. -
Slavery Begins
The first African slaves arrive in Jamestown to combat labor shortages. -
Mayflower Compact
Pilgrims establish the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts and sign the Mayflower Compact, the first governing document. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
The "Winthrop Fleet" holding more than 700 colonists led by John Winthrop arrived in Massachusetts. John Winthrop becomes the governor. -
Maryland
Lord Baltimore establishes the religiously tolerant colony on the rich farmland north of the Potomac River. -
Harvard College
The first higher education institution is founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts. -
New York
New Amsterdam is taken from the Dutch and renamed New York. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon led an armed rebellion against William Berkeley. -
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Salem Witch Trials
200 women were accused and 19 executed for suspicion of witchcraft in Massachusetts.
