European Nations Settle In America

Smallpox Epidemic Kills Many Native Americans

1520

An epidemic of smallpox, brought by Europeans, kills many Native Americans on the New England coast

Verrazzano Discovers New York Harbor

Apr 17, 1524

Verrazzano, sailing for France, discovers New York Harbor.

Jacques Cartier Navigates The St. Lawrence River

Jun 9, 1534

Frenchmen Jacques Cartier navigate the St. Lawrence River names an Island along the River Montreal.

Jamestown Is Founded

1607

Jamestown was founded on the coast of Virginia by 100 English settlers.

Samuel de Champlain Founds Colony Of Quebec

1608

French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, founded the colony of Quebec.

Henry Hudson Discovers New Netherland

1609

Henry Hudson, exploring for the Netherlands, claims land that will become New Netherland.

Pilgrims Create The Plymouth Colony

Dec 16, 1620

Pilgrims from England found an English Colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Duke Of York Claims New York For England

1668

The Duke of York drives out the Dutch in New Netherland. The Duke ofYork claims the colony for England and renamed it New York.

King Philip's War Begins

1675

King Philip's War begins in colonial villages of Massachusetts, between Colonists and Native Americans.

Sieur de la Salle Explores Lower Mississippi

1686

Sieur de la Salle explores the lower Mississippi Valley river, and claims the Valley for France and names it Louisiana in honor of the French King Louis XIV.

French & Indian War Begins

1754

War between the British and French, known as the French & Indian War. The war is fought over disputed land claims in the Ohio River Valley.