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Jamestown
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia. -
The House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in America, meets for the first time in Virginia. The first African slaves are brought to Jamestown. -
Plymouth Colony
The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England. -
John Winthrop Settles Massachusetts Bay
John Winthrop leads over 900 colonists to settle in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
John Winthrop also begins writing the History of New EnglandBoston is officially established. -
First Government seen
The first town government is organized in the city of Dorchester within the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The first school in America is founded in New Amsterdam. -
Township Act and Thomas Hooker Founds first Church
The Township Act is passed in the Massachusetts Bay general court giving towns the ability to govern themselves to some extent.
Thomas Hooker arrives in Hartford Connecticut and founds the first church of the territory.
Roger Williams founds the present-day city of Providence, Rhode Island. -
Religious Freedom
Toleration Act is passed in Maryland allowing for religious freedom.
Maine also passes legislation allowing for religious freedom. -
Bicameral Legislature and Virginia Blockade
Maryland is allowed to have a bicameral legislature by order of Lord Baltimore.
Virginia is blockaded by England after declaring allegiance to the House of Stuart.