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Establishment of Jamestown
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia. -
Invention of the Refracting Telescope
Hans Lippershey invented the first refracting telescope. -
First Meeting of the House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in America, meets for the first time in Virginia. The first African slaves are brought to Jamestown. -
Mayflower Compact
The first governing document of Plymouth Colony. -
Establishment of the Plymouth Colony
The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England. -
Indian War
A series of wars between Indians and American settlers, mainly over land control. -
The Maryland Toleration Act
The act was meant to ensure freedom of religion for Christian settlers of diverse persuasions in the colony. -
English Seize New Amsterdam
English seize New Amsterdam from the Dutch and rename it New York. -
King Phillip's War
The Native Americans' last-ditch effort to avoid recognizing English authority and stop English settlement on their native lands. -
Bacon's Rebellion
An uprising against American Indians and the colonial government in the Virginia Colony over taking reprisal action for alleged thefts by the Native Americans. (1676-1677)