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12,000 BCE
North American Indian cultures flourish.
Pre American history -
1492
1492 – Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, lands on the island of San Salvidor in the Bahamas, discovering the New World for Europe.
American history -
1497
John Cabot of England explores the Atlantic coast of Canada, claiming the area for the English King, Henry VII. Cabot is the first of many European explorers to seek a Northwest Passage (northern water route) to Asia.
(Not really United States history but relevant.) -
1507
The name "America" is first used in a geography book referring to the New World with Amerigo Vespucci getting credit for the discovery of the continent.
Us history -
1513
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León lands on the coast of Florida.
American history -
1541
Hernando de Soto of Spain discovers the Mississippi River.
Us history -
1543
1543 - Pacific Northwest claimed by Spain
Washington history -
1570
1570s – Iroquois Confederacy founded.
American history -
1579
1579 - The Washington coast sighted by Sir Francis Drake and claimed for England
Washington history -
Sir Francis Drake attacks Saint Augustine, Florida
Us history -
Sir Walter Raleigh finds Roanoke colony.
Us history -
In Europe, the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the English results in Great Britain replacing Spain as the dominant world power and leads to a gradual decline of Spanish influence in the New World and the widening of English imperial interests.
Us history -
Roanoke colony found deserted
Us history -
1592 - Discovery of Strait of Juan de Fuca claimed by Juan de Fuca
Washington history
