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Jamestown, the first American colony, was planted in Virginia. 110 settlers arrived originally, but only 1/3 would survive a year. Nevertheless, provided the foothold for European colonization of the Americas. -
Pocahontas, an Indian, marries John Rolfe, a settler. This agreement between both parties leads to a few years of peace. Additionally, Rolfe, planted the first Tabacco seed in the New World, starting the economical giant that would become the United States. -
While not directly fought in North America, the resulting food, money, and men shortages had a great effect on the struggling colonies. Additionally, it solidified the boundaries of many countries and bred distrust and anger that would lead to future wars.
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About 50-60 African slaves arrived in the colony of Virginia aboard Dutch ships. This was the beginning of the near 250 year period of slavery in America, culminating in the Civil War. -
The King James Version of the Holy Bible was published for the first time, allowing access to the Word to ordinary citizens. -
Signed by pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, the Compact represents the first attempt at establishing a government in the colony. -
This war took place between the colonies and several Native American Tribes, but most notably the Pequot. The result was a drastic defeat for the Natives and the almost complete elimination of the Pequot as a people.
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Harvard College was created in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was the first university to be founded in North America. Today, it remains one of the most prestigious colleges in the country.
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Originally named New Amsterdam by the Dutch, it was captured by the English and renamed New York, in honor of the Duke of York. -
Another War between the Colonists and the Natives, this time led by King Phillip of the Wampanoag. It resulted in the loss of almost all territory for the Wampanoag as well as the death of a large portion of the tribe. The was the first war in which the colonists fought entirely themselves, without help from England, so it began the belief of more independent colonies, separate from their mother nation.
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Led by Nathaniel Bacon, the rebellion was the first of its kind in the colonies. The settlers were angry over the alliance with the Natives, so rebelled against the Governor of the area, William Berekely. While the rebellion was not successful, it did result in the recall of the Governor.
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With the accusation of witchcraft in Salem Village, a year-long hysteria began which turned the colonists against each other. Over 150 people in the village were accused of these crimes, and in total, almost '20' witches were executed, and at least another dozen died in jail, awaiting their trial.