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Spanish Missions
The Franciscans from the Spanish settlements in Mexico establish some of the first missions in Indian tribe areas. -
Arrival at Virginia Coast
The three ships led by captain Christopher Newport reach Cape Henry at the Virginia Coast and head up to Jamestown after fife months of travel. -
Jamestown Settlement
The first English settlement is established in Jamestown at the arrival of the ships. Captain John Smith is named governor of this settlement. -
Samuel de Champlian
Samuel Champlain discovers and battles against an Iriquois party for a lake he discovered and called Lake Champlain and claims Vermont for France. -
Henry Hudson arrives to New York
Henry Hudson sails into New York harbor and up the river that would be named after him. -
Pocahontas and John Rolfe Marriage
The marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe mark the beginning of the tobacco harvest and a time period of peace between the Indians and the colonists. -
"The Great Dying"
The smallpox epidemic causes the death of 90% of the Native American population in the Massachusetts Bay area. -
House of Burgess and Slaves
July to August- The House of Burgesses is elected in Jamestown. Indentured servants and first slaves arrive to Jamestown. -
Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving celebration is made between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. -
The Indian Massacre
The Powhatan tribe rose up against the colonists. Three hundred people were killed, leaving only two thirds of the colony left. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony
John Winthrop's ships leave England for the Puritan colony established in Salem, and found the Massachusetts Bay Colony. -
Maryland Founded
Maryland is founded as a Catholic colony promoting religious tolerance. -
Bay Psalm Book
The first book is printed in North America, called the Bay Psalm Book. -
Georgeana becomes an American Colony
York Colony (known as Georgeana in colonial times) becomes the first city in the American colonies. -
Introduction of Legal Slavery
Slavery is legalized in Connecticut and accepted in other American colonies. -
The Navigation Act
The Navigation act is passed by the British Parliament to control commerce from the colonies to other parts of the world. -
King Philip's War
Indian tribes attack New England colonies due to the intrusion of land. The Indians succeeded and twelve towns were destroyed. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion causes the burning of Jamestown as Bacon leads the rebellion of planters against Governor Berkeley. -
William Penn Purchases Pennsylvania
William Penn signs a treaty with the Indians and pays for Pennsylvania to establish his colony. -
The Salem Witch Hunts
The trials, and searches for witches, caused by the beliefs of the Puritans, led to the arrest of 150 people and the death of 19 people. These were held until 1693. -
Jamestown is Abandoned
The colonial government of Jamestown and the capital of Virginia moved to what would be called Williamsburg after its statehouse is burned down.
