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1607
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia. -
1619
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. -
1620
The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England.
Before disembarking from their ship, the Mayflower, 41 male passengers sign the Mayflower Compact, an agreement that forms the basis of the colony's government. -
1650
Colonial population is estimated at 50,400. -
1664
English seize New Amsterdam (city and colony) from the Dutch and rename it New York.