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1350
The Black Death (1350-1720)
The Black Death, otherwise known as the Black Plague, or Bubonic plague, broke out in the 1300's. The disease continued until 1720. This disease caused sneezing, coughing, weakness, chills, swelling, headaches, fevers, and buboes (hence the name bubonic plague). Many people died from this disease throughout the centuries it lasted. -
1580
Captain John Smith (1580-1631)
A significant figure in history, Captain John Smith started working as a merchant. However, he soon wanted more adventure. He began fighting in wars for England, but after being captured in Russia and barely escaping he retired from fighting and joined the Virginia Company of London. He was one of the 100 men that started Jamestown, and was later elected president. He was a hard leader, but saved the colony from starving, and the Native Americans feared him so he, in many ways, saved the colony. -
Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English colony in America. It was founded by the Virginia Company of London, a group of men that worked for King James I. On May 14, 1607, 100 men reached America and began the Jamestown colony in what is now Virginia. This colony faced hunger, famine, unsanitary grounds, disease, and hostile Native Americans. However, it worked through these problems and became the capital of Virginia as more colonies came. It later burned down in a protest. -
The Great Fire of London (September 2-6 1666)
The great fire of London was a huge fire that destroyed many buildings and may have killed many people. It is a well known event in London because of the intense damage it caused. The fire started at a local baker's house, but quickly spread through the city faster then the firefighters could control. It lasted for 4 days and was a major disaster to the city. -
Kit Sails from the Caribbean to America
The book starts in mid April of 1687 with Kit sailing from her old home of the Caribbean Islands to America in hopes of finding her only living relatives, her Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins, so she can live with them. She takes this journey on the ship the Dolphin, but later boards a smaller ship to make the nine day trip with a sailor from Saybrook to Wethersfield. This journey is the start of Kit's wild tale in her new home. -
Kit Helps Mercy Teach the Dame School
Soon after she begins to live with the Wood's, she is found for her rare ability to read. She is invited to help Mercy teach the Dame School that runs in the summer, which is the school for young children to learn reading and writing, and she will even earn a wage. However, her position doesn't last long, and just seems to get Kit into more trouble... -
Kit Meets Hannah Tupper
After Kit's idea of reenacting the bible as a play with the children, the Dame School is shut down. Kit is terribly sad and lost. She runs down to the meadow without knowing why and finds Hannah Tupper, the "witch" of blackbird pond. Hannah helps Kit control her feelings and is very kind. When kit leaves to go back to the woods, she has found new confidence, courage, and happiness from Hannah. Little does she know what trouble the unlikely relationship would soon bring... -
Kit is Accused of Witchcraft!
After Kit is reported for befriending and visiting Hannah, and Goodwife Cruff blames her for bewitching Prudence, she is taken to a stable, where she is locked overnight. The next morning she is taken to court. There she is given a fair trial, which starts against her but slowly she is proved innocent. Though this event takes place late in the book, it is the climax and turning point of the story. -
Judith and Mercy Fall Ill
Winter comes to the Connecticut Colony, and Judith falls ill with a mysterious fever that is striking many in the town. Shortly after, Mercy falls ill also. Judith very slowly begins to recover, but Mercy has it the worst. The doctor comes so many times to bleed her that on night, he can do nothing because she has lost so much blood. Finally, help from Revered Bulkely sets Mercy on the path to getting better. It is a scary time for Kit, but it also gives her much time to think, and visit Hannah. -
Salem Witch Trials (February 1692-May 1693)
Beginning in February 1692 and ending in May 1693, a series of trials for accusations of witchcraft took place in Massachusetts. During this time, many were hung after being accused fr "witchcraft" for doing nonreligious acts, or "acts against god". The number of innocent women who lost their lives during this time period earned it the nickname "the witch craze". Accusations of witchcraft continued after this, but this time period in Massachusetts will long be remembered for it's losses.
