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1520
Smallpox Epidemic
The Europeans brought an epidemic of smallpox, which kills many Natives on the New England Coast. -
Apr 17, 1524
Verrazzano discovers New York Harbor
Verrazzano was sailing for France, but he soon became the first to explore the East coast of the now United States of America. -
Jun 9, 1534
Jacques Cartier Navigates the St Lawrence River
A Frenchman, Jacques Cartier, navigates the St Lawrence River and names an island along the River Montreal. -
Jamestown is Founded
Over 100 English settlers find Jamestown on the coast of Virginia. -
Quebec is Founded
A French explorer, Samuel de Champlain founded the colony of Quebec. -
Henry Hudson Claims New Netherland
While exploring for the Netherlands, Henry Hudson claims land that will become New Netherland. -
Duke of York Drives Out The Dutch
The Duke of York drives out the Dutch in New Netherland. He claims the colony for England and renames it New York. -
King Philip's War Begins
King Philip's war begins in Massachusetts between colonists and Natives. -
Lousiana is Named
Sieur de la Salle claims the lower Mississippi Valley for France and names it Louisiana. -
French and Indian War
A war between the British and the French began over disputed land claims in the Ohio River Valley. -
Plymouth is Founded
Pilgrims from England found an English colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.