Colonizing North America

Columbus Reaches the Americas

Oct 12, 1492

We've all heard the catchy phrase, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," but more importantly, he landed in the Bahamas in the Fall of 1492. His ships were named the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Read Columbus' biography and watch a short video on his life.

The Aztecs Are Conquered

Apr 21, 1521

Hernando Cortes and his fellow conquistadors defeat the mightiest empire of the Americas. Later, New Spain (today's Mexico City) is established.

The Fall of the Incan Empire

Jul 26, 1533

Francisco Pizarro and troops conquer the Incan capital city of Cuzco, leading to the fall of the Incan Empire. Pizarro later founds a new capital city, Lima.

Roanoke Island Founded

Jun 4, 1585

John White establishes England's first attempt at a colony in North America. Five years later, after a short trip to England to gather supplies, White returns to Roanoke to find everyone has disappeared. No one knows what happened to the colonists. Roanoke became known as "The Lost Colony."

Jamestown is Founded

Apr 14, 1607

With a charter from England's King James I, the Virginia Company establishes the first permanent settlement in North America.

Cash Crop Brings Profit to Jamestown

Jun 10, 1615

John Rolfe raises a crop of tobacco, which soon becomes Virginia's first cash crop, or crop grown for a profit. The King disapproves because he thinks smoking is harmful. Find out who John Rolfe married (Hint, she has a Disney movie based on her)

Virginia House of Burgesses

Jul 30, 1619

The House of Burgesses was the first law-making body in Jamestown. This helped establish the tradition of self-government. Learn more about the House of Burgesses

The Pilgrims

Nov 1, 1620

After sailing over rough seas for two months, the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Rough seas pushed them farther north than they had hoped.