-
The Founding of Jamestown
In 1607 the city of Jamestown was founded by Virginia Company settlers. This was the first permanent English settlement in the newly colonized, United States. -
Pocahontas marries John Rolfe
On April 1614, John Rolfe and Pocahontas were married in the city of Jamestown. Rolfe's main reason for marrying Pocahontas was not love, but creating an alliance with the Indians. Their marriage ensured peace between these two people groups for the next several years. -
The First Slaves brought to America
The first African slaves were brought to America in 1619 by Dutch traders. They were kidnapped by the Portuguese and sold to English colonists. The arrival of these slaves was the introduction of the horrific trans-Atlantic slave trade. -
First Thanksgiving Celebrated
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims in the year 1621. They celebrated their first harvest in the New World. This celebration lasted three days and was attended by both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. -
The Pequot War
The Pequot War was a conflict between the Pequot people and English settlers. It was the first sustained conflict between Europeans that lived in northeastern America and Native Americans. -
Navigation Act is Passed
The Navigation Act was passed in the year 1660, along with many other laws that followed. This act restricted colonial trade between England and America. It's purpose was to promote self-sufficiency of Britain. -
William Penn formed Pennsylvania
In 1677, Penn and a group of Quakers were granted the province of West New Jersey. This large area would later turn into the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania was a state where religious groups and outsiders in politics could have their own place to do as they wished. -
Salem Witch Hunt Began
The Salem Witch hunt and trial began in 1692. This trial began when a few young women claimed to be possessed by the devil. They then went on to accuse several other women of performing witchcraft. As hysteria spread, so did the trials and hangings of these women. -
New Jersey established as a Royal Colony
East and West Jersey were combined into one state, New Jersey. Under the ruling of Queen Anne, this state became a royal colony. New Jersey was one of the thirteen original colonies. -
Poor Richard's Almanac Published
In 1732, Poor Richard's Almanac was published. It was written anonymously by Benjamin Franklin. This almanac was a best seller in North America and more than ten thousand copies were printed each year. -
John Adams and Abigail Smith get Married
On October 10, 1764, Abigail and John Adams became man and wife. They were married in the Smith's home in Weymouth. -
Quartering Act is Passed
The Quartering Acts required colonists to house British soldiers. This act forced American citizens to provide, serve, and take care of British soldiers. -
Boston Massacre
On March third, 1770, a deadly riot occurred on King Street in Boston. This massacre began as a street fight between one British solder and many American colonists. This street brawl quickly turned into a bloody slaughter, which was named the Boston Massacre. The Boston Massacre paved the way to the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
This political protest happened on December 16, 1773, at Griffin's Wharf in Massachusetts. Americans colonists were so fed up by England imposing "taxation without representation" that they dressed up as Indians and dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor. -
Battle of Lexington
The battle of Lexington happened in the year 1775. It was a battle that kicked off the American Revolutionary war. On April 18, hundreds of British soldiers began the march to seize an arms cache. Paul Revere and many other horse riders raced the British soldiers and sounded the alarm. This act of bravery gave American soldiers a chance to prepare for the British. They intercepted the redcoats and soon the British army was retreating. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a series of violent attacks that were focused on attacking courthouses and many other properties that belonged to the government in the state of Massachusetts. This rebellion began in 1786, but led to huge military confrontations in 1787. This rebellion was named after former soldier and farmer, Daniel Shay. He was one of the leaders that led this rebellion. -
Washington Elected
in the year 1789, George Washington was elected as the first President of the United States. He began his presidency by setting up America's government. Washington was in charge of setting up the presidential cabinet and appointing the entire supreme court in the beginning years of his presidency. -
John Adams elected as President
In 1796, federalist nominee John Adams was elected president of the United States. He led the Democratic-Republican party. He became the second president of the United States. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal that the United States made with the country of France. This deal included the United States purchasing 827,000 square miles of land that was located west of the Mississippi river. They purchased this land for fifteen million dollars. -
Lewis and Clark begin their Expedition
Meriwether Lewis was tasked by President Jefferson to explore land West of the Mississippi River. Lewis chose William Clark to become his co-leader for this exploration. Their journey lasted two years and was dangerous, but was hugely successful in the exploration of these lands. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812, was a war between the United Sates and Great Britain. This war would hugely impact America's future. The War of 1812 was caused by the British trying to restrict America's trade and its desire to expand as a country. In 1815, the Treaty of Ghent was signed as a peace treaty and the war was ended. -
Andrew Jackson Elected
After losing to John Adams in the 1824 election for Presidency, four years later Andrew Jackson was elected as the nation's seventh president. He was a leader of the Democratic party and was a supporter for states' rights and the extension of slavery. -
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of people that focused on helping enslaved African Americans find freedom in the North. This network included African Americans, as well as whites. They were tasked with aiding escaped slaves and giving them shelter to help them on their journey to freedom. -
The California Gold Rush Began
In the year 1848, gold nuggets were discovered in the Sacramento valley. This amazing discovery began the California Gold Rush, which was arguably one of the most influential events that affected American history. News spread of this discovery and thousands of miners made their way to California in hopes to make themselves rich by finding this rare metal. A total of around two billions dollars worth of gold was discovered in this area. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected
Lincoln was elected as the sixteenth president in 1860. He was the first Republican to win a presidential election. He used his presidency to argue against the spread of slavery. His ideals, beliefs and views caused seven states to secede before his inauguration in 1861. -
Civil War Begins
America's bloodiest conflict began in 1861. The American Civil war was a divisive conflict between the free states of the North and slave states of the South. It resulted in more than 620,000 people dying, millions of people injured, and the destruction of the South.
