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Jamestown
In late 1606, the company’s three ships, and more than 100 settlers, pushed out of an English harbor. About four months later, in 1607, they reached the coast of Virginia. The colonists claimed the land as theirs. They named the settlement Jamestown in honor of their king. -
New France
In 1608, a French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, sailed up the St. Lawrence with about 32 colonists. They founded Quebec, which became the base of France’s colonial empire in North America, known as New France. -
The Dutch Found New Netherland
In 1609, Henry Hudson, an Englishman in the service of the Netherlands, sailed west. He was searching for a northwest sea route to Asia. Hudson did not find a route. He did, however, explore three waterways that were later named for him—the Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait. -
Metacom
Native American ruler Metacom (also known as King Philip) led an attack on colonial villages throughout Massachusetts. In the months that followed, both sides massacred hundreds of victims. After a year of fierce fighting, the colonists were victorious. During the 17th century, many skirmishes erupted throughout North America. -
French and Indian War
In 1754 a dispute over land claims in the Ohio Valley led to a war between the British and French on the North American continent. The conflict became known as the French and Indian War. The war became part of a larger conflict known as the Seven Years’ War. Britain and France, along with their European allies, also battled for supremacy in Europe, the West Indies, and India.