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1492
Columbus lands at Hispaniola in the Caribbean
Christopher Columbus discovered many various islands in the Caribbean, some of which are the Bahamas and Hispaniola. -
1513
Balboa "discovers" the Pacific Ocean in Panama
In 1513, Balboa was the first to lead the Europeans on a journey to the Pacific. -
1521
Cortes conquers the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan (Mexico City)
From the early 1500s Hernan Cortes had invaded Mexico and had conquered the Aztec Empire. -
1539
De Soto explores the region between Florida and the Mississippi River
Hernando de Soto was the first European to document the Mississippi River on May 8,1541 -
First permanent English settlement is founded in Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown, the first permanent settlement for the new colonists had to work hard to keep their their colony standing. In 1698, Jamestown's statehouse burned down and had been replaced by Williamsburg as colonial capital. -
Mayflower Pilgrims found Plymouth colony in Massachusetts
Most of the Mayflower passengers were members of a reformed Christian church. They believed leaving England was the only way to worship their religion. -
English settlers defeat Native Americans in King Philip's War
This war was the last efforts by the Natives of the Southern New England area to kick out the English settlers. -
France claims the Mississippi River Valley and names it Louisiana
The Mississippi River Valley was now called Louisiana because it was in honor of King Louis XIV.
