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1524
Verrazano Sails for Modern day New York Harbor.
In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazano sailed to North America searching for a sea route to the Pacific. He didn't find any sea route, but he did find the modern day New York Harbor. -
1534
Jacques Cartier Navigate St. Lawrence River
Frenchman Jacques Cartier navigate the St. Lawrence River names an island along the River Montreal. -
Jamestown is Founded
Jamestown is founded on the coast of Virginia by 100 English settlers. -
Samuel de Champlain Founds Colony in Quebec
A French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, founds the colony of Quebec. -
Henry Hudson Claims Land for Netherlands
Henry Hudson, exploring for the Netherlands, claims land that will become New Netherland. -
Smallpox Kills Millions of Natives
An epidemic of smallpox, brought by Europeans, kills many Native Americans on the New England Coast. -
Pilgrims Found English Colony
Pilgrims from England found an English colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts. -
Duke of York Drive Out Dutch
The Duke of York drives out the Dutch in New Netherland. The Duke of York claims the colony for England and renames it New York. -
King Phillip's War
King Phillip's War begins in Colonial villages of Massachusetts, between colonists and Native Americans. -
Sieur de la Salle Explores Lower Mississippi
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. -
War Between British and French
War between the British and French, known as the French & Indian War. The war is fought over disputed land claims in the Ohio Valley.