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James I Becomes King of England
Reigned from 1603 until he died 1625. He granted the Virginia Company a royal charter for the colonial pursuit in 1606. -
Jamestown Established
The first permanent English colony settled in America. Ships landed in Chesapeake Bay In Virginia. The Virginia Company promised land grants/ head rights and cash crop (tobacco, rice and sugar) plantations. The first years were very rough, many died due to famine and disease. Powhatan people traded with them and helped them grow food. -
Slaves Arrive in Jamestown
John Rolfe wrote a letter in 1619 saying that about 20 African Americans arrived in Jamestown on an English ship, traded for food and rum. -
Mayflower Compact Created
The Mayflower Compact, a social contract, was created by the pilgrims in Plymouth to have them follow laws made by the leaders. -
Plymouth Colony Settled
Plymouth was settled in New England by the British men of the Plymouth Company wanting to get rich and take advantage of the natural resources available. The colonists shipped furs, fish, and timber back to England. The Pilgrims took the offer and got on a ship, the Mayflower -
Settlers and Natives at War
The Natives were tired of the Settlers taking their land, attacked 28 farms and plantations along the James River, and ended up killed a fourth of the colonists. -
MA Bay Colony Est.
The Massachusetts Bay Company sent 700 Puritans to seek religious freedom and settle the colony. Led by John Winthrop and his family. They arrive to find that smallpox has wiped out all Natives, which makes them believe that God has given them this land. -
English Civil War Begins
Puritans and Royalists go to war in England. Many prosecuted escaped to American Colonies to restart and live freely. (1642-1651) -
Maryland Toleration Act
The Maryland Toleration Act, also known as the Act Concerning Religion, the first law in North America requiring religious tolerance for Christians. It was passed on April 21, 1649, by the assembly of the Maryland colony, in St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland -
Bacon's Rebellion
Rebellion led by Nathanial Bacon against Colonial Governor William Berkley because he wanted to drive out Natives off their land because his land had eroded soil from over production of tobacco.