-
3 British ships land in Jamestown, establishing their first colony. John Smith is named Governor.
-
Samuel Chaplain battles Native Americans and claims Georgia for France.
-
Dutch sailor Henry Howard settles Albany New York.
-
First representative legislature is held in Jamestown, organized by George Yeardley
-
Puritan colonists land on Plymouth Rock. They form the Mayflower Compact which established a government and a legal system.
-
Catholics settle Maryland. They promoted religious tolerance.
-
Slavery is legalized in Connecticut is recognized in the colonies.
-
Rhode Island is founded by Roger Williams, first colony to promote separation of church and state.
-
Britain parliament passes the Navigation Act to control commerce in the colonies
-
Jamestown is burned led by Francis Bacon. He along with 23 others were executed.
-
France claims Louisiana when Robert Cavalier de LaSalle explores the valley south of the Mississippi.
-
William Penn signs a treaty with the Delaware Indians for the land of Pennsylvania.
-
Spurred by religious preaching the Salem Witch Hunts lead to 150 arrests.