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Oct 6, 1491
Approximately 25,000 Years Ago
Humans cross a land bridge over the Bering Strait inhabiting the Americas for the first time. The continent remained isolated for thousands of years. -
Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus sails to America
Christopher Columbus leads three ships across the Atlantic Ocean and discovers the Americas. The expedition clears the way for several more voyages over the next few centuries as America is quickly settled by Europeans. This also leads to the quick devastation of native people and cultures in the Americas. -
First permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown.
English settlers arrive on the Atlantic coast in modern day Virginia and create a colony called Jamestown. The colony barely survives after undergoing "starving time" but the arrival of Englishman John Rolfe and the harvesting of tobacco allow the colony to thrive. -
English colony established at Plymouth
A ship called the Mayflower lands on the coast of modern day Massachusetts carrying a group of religous outcasts called Pilgrims. The Pilgrims build a colony and establish positive relations with the natives of the area. Plymouth sets the stage for American ideals of self government and freedom of religion. In the next century plus thirteen English colonies are settled on the east coast of North America. -
America declares independence from Britain
After years of escalating tensions between American colonists and British soldiers, and with violence breaking out at Lexington & Concord, the thirteen American colonies declare their independence from Britain. The American Revolution is fought for the next five years and results in America winning its independence. -
Treaty of Paris is signed
The United States and Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the American Revolution and creating the independent United States of America. As a result the U.S. also acquires a significant tract of land in the Ohio River Valley, doubling the size of the country.
