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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus lands in the New World
The first person to discover the New world, and the Natives that inhabit it. -
Apr 25, 1519
End of Aztecs
Hernando Cortés conquers the Aztec empire. -
Apr 25, 1565
First Colony established
The first permanent European colony in North America is founded at St. Augustine (Florida) by the Spanish. -
First English child born in America
The first English child, Virginia Dare, is born in Roanoke, August 18. -
Jamestown is established
Jamestown is founded in Virginia by the colonists of the London Company and John Smith. They were seeking gold. By the end of the year, starvation and disease reduce the original 105 settlers to just 32 survivors. Capt. John Smith is captured by Native American Chief Powhatan and saved from death by the chief's daughter, Pocahontas. -
Beginning of trade from the New World
In January, 110 additional colonists arrive at Jamestown. In December, the first items of export trade are sent from Jamestown back to England and include lumber and iron ore. -
Tobacco is planted
Native tobacco is first planted and harvested in Virginia by colonists. -
First Trading post is established
A Dutch trading post is set up on lower Manhattan island -
Peace between Natives and English
Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan, marries tobacco farmer, John Rolfe, which helps establish temporary peace between the Powhatans and the English. -
Tobacco becomes big
Tobacco becomes an export staple for Virginia. -
The decline of the Natives
A smallpox epidemic decimates the Native American population in New England.