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The First Colony
In 1607 a group of over 100 men made it to Virginia's James River. They established America's first permanent English Colony. -
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The 13 Colonies
Important historical facts that helped form the original 13 American Colonies, that shaped America into the United States of America that we all know today. -
House of Burgesses
The first elected assembly was established in Jamestown, Virginia. It was named the House of Burgesses. -
Massachusetts is founded
A second English colony is formed, it was called Massachusetts. The King of England allowed Puritans to establish the colony to expand their religion and extend Great Britain. -
Rhode Island
Roger Williams found Providence which later became the capital of Rhode Island. Roger Williams was originally from the Massachusetts Bay colony, but had to leave because of his belief in the separation of church and state. -
River Colony
Thomas Hooker was a Puritan minister from the Massachusetts Bay colony who formed the River colony, later named Connecticut. He formed a new colony because he believed government should be led by the people of the colony. -
Carolina
in 1663 Carolina was formed as a "corporate colony", a colony where people hoped to become wealthy. Carolina was later divided into North Carolina and South Carolina. -
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
William Penn established Pennsylvania as a place where people of all religions can live together and freedom. People came from all over Europe for religious freedom and economic opportunities. -
The Last Colony
In 1732 Georgia was colonized to act as a barrier between Spain and the British colonies. Georgia was the last of the 13 original American colonies. -
Indepence Day
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. The colonies gained their independence by winning the Revolutionary War. This declared them free from England and they became the United States of America. -
The First American Flag
The Second Continental Congress passes a resolution that states that the American flag shall have 13 stripes, alternately in red and white, to represent the 13 colonies. Through the 27 variations of the U.S. flag over time, the 13 stripes have never changed.
