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Virginia Company Chartered
King James I charters the Virginia Company to establish settlements on the coast of North America. -
Jamestown
The first English settlement is made by Captain Edward Maria Wingfield. The settlement was disastrous, with the majority of the population starving to death. -
John Rolfe Plants Tobacco
John Rolfe plants the first tobacco crop in North America, which is an instant success and profitable crop for the colonies. -
Slaves in the New World
African slaves are introduced to the new world via the Transatlantic Slave Trade. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower compact is drafted by settlers on the ship, the Mayflower, and is the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. -
Maryland's Toleration Act (Act Concerning Religion)
This act secured a safe haven for Trinitarian Christians seeking asylum from oppression for their beliefs. -
English Seize New Amsterdam
English seize New Amsterdam from the Dutch, renaming it New York. -
King Philip's War
Metacom, Wampanoag chief launches an assault on colonies following growing tension between Native Americans and settlers. This was the deadliest war of the 17th century. This was a Colonial victory. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Led by Nathaniel Bacon, settlers rebel against Governor William Berkeley and his decision not to attack Native Americans amidst the growing paranoia of the people of impending attack. The rebellion was supposedly sparked by an argument over a pig. When Doeg Indians came to collect payment on a debt owed them by Thomas Matthew, he did not pay, and they took some of his pigs to settle the debt. Settlers retaliate.
