-
Jamestown is Founded
The Virginia Company sends people led by Captain John Smith to the New World from England to seek gold and silver, and to trade with Native Americans. A Native American trading river is found, and Jamestown, Virginia is founded -
Henry Hudson Discovers the Hudson River
Henry Hudson is commissioned by the Dutch East India to find the Northwest passage through America, but instead Henry Hudson found what would become known as the Hudson River -
Slavery Comes to America
20 Slaves are brought to Jamestown Virginia, starting slavery in America -
Pilgrims Land in the New World
Led by William Bradford, the Pilgrims come to the New World, or America after leaving first England, and then Holland in an attempt to gain religious freedom. They create a colony that becomes known as the Massachusetts Bay colony. -
The Mayflower Compact is Signed
The Mayflower Compact is written and signed by the Pilgrims in order to have a stated law in the New World, so that the colony does not fall into chaos. -
Pocahontas Saves John Smiths Life
Young Princess Pocahontas of the Powhatan Native American tribe saves the life of the Jamestown leader, Captain John Smith, from her father Chief Powhatan -
The Children of Slaves are Born into Slavery
The Virginia colony passed a law that legally made the children of enslaved mothers slaves as well. -
Massachusetts Issues the First Paper Money in America
The Massachusetts Bay Colony issues the first paper money in the United States to fund the military to fight Canada during King William's War -
Salem Witch Trials
In Salem Massachusetts, young girls claim to be possessed by demons and accuse multiple women of practicing witch craft. Chaos ensues and many witches are held on trial and hung, though it is unclear whether or not witchcraft is actually taking place.