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1492
Christopher Columbus discovers America
On August 3, 1492, Columbus and his crew set sail from Spain in three ships: the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. On October 12, the ships made landfall—not in Asia, as Columbus assumed, but on one of the Bahamian islands. -
1513
Juan Ponce de Leon lands on the coast of Florida.
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1565
Saint Augustine, Florida becomes the first European colony in America.
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Jamestown becomes the first permanent English settlement in America.
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Slaves first arrive in America (Jamestown).
Dutch traders brought African slaves taken from a Spanish ship to Jamestown. -
The Plymouth colony in Massachusetts is established by pilgrims in England.
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Sir Francis Nicholson organizes sporting competitions where prizes can be won.
Horse racing is the main event. -
The lightning rod is invented.
It attracts lightning, directs lightning into ground, and averts damage to structure its placed on. -
Benjamin Franklin invents the armonica.
A series of glassware produces musical sounds, -
Thomas Jefferson starts to model his house, the Monticello.
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The Boston Massacre happens.
British soldiers shot and killed several colonists. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists throw tons of tea into the harbor to protest tea taxes. -
The Declaration of Independence is put into act.
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The Bill of Rights are passed.
Gave individual freedom and rights to citizens. -
The famous George Washington portrait is finished.