Exploration and Settlement

Columbus lands at Hispaniola in the Caribbean

1492

Christopher Columbus discovered many various islands in the Caribbean, some of which are the Bahamas and Hispaniola.

Balboa "discovers" the Pacific Ocean in Panama

1513

In 1513, Balboa was the first to lead the Europeans on a journey to the Pacific.

Cortes conquers the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan (Mexico City)

1521

From the early 1500s Hernan Cortes had invaded Mexico and had conquered the Aztec Empire.

De Soto explores the region between Florida and the Mississippi River

1539

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

1607

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 In 1698, Jamestown's statehouse burned down and had been replaced by Williamsburg as colonial capital.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

1620

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

1676

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

1682

The Mississippi River Valley was now called Louisiana because it was in honor of King Louis XIV.