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1000
Norse seaman Leif Ericsson lands in Newfoundland, which he calls Vinland.
American History -
1492
Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, makes the first of four voyages to the New World. He lands in the Bahamas
American History -
1513
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León lands on the coast of Florida.
American History -
1532
Pacific Northwest claimed by Spain
Washington State History -
1565
Saint Augustine, Florida, settled by the Spanish, becomes the first permanent European colony in North America.
American History -
1579
The Washington coast sighted by Sir Francis Drake and claimed for England
Washington State History -
Discovery of Strait of Juan de Fuca claimed by Juan de Fuca
Washington State History -
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia.
American History -
The House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in America, meet for the first time in Virginia. The first African Americans were sold
American History -
The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England. The Mayflower Compact is signed
American History -
Slavery is legalized in Connecticut and recognized in the American colonies.
American History -
English seize New Amsterdam (city and colony) from the Dutch and rename it New York.
American History