Colony of Massachusetts By JDude Jan 1, 1498 John Cabot explores in the coast of Massachusetts Period: Jan 1, 1498 to Jan 1, 1897 Colony of Massachusetts Jan 1, 1604 Samuel de Champlain explores and maps the coast of Massachusetts Jan 1, 1606 James I allows charter for the Plymouth Company to colonize in the Northwest part of Virginia Jan 1, 1614 Captain John Smith maps the coast of Massachusetts Jan 1, 1621 The first Thankgsgiving is celebrated with the Pilgrims Jan 1, 1632 Boston becomes the capital of Massachusetts Jan 1, 1634 Boston Common was the first Public Park Jan 1, 1635 First public secondary school Jan 1, 1636 Harvard becomes the first American College Dec 4, 1636 Harvard is the first American College Jan 1, 1653 First American public library Jan 1, 1692 Witchcraft starts to occur in Salem Jan 1, 1716 First lighthouse built in the Boston Harbor Jan 1, 1770 British kill colonists in the Boston Massacre Jan 1, 1775 First ship of the U.S Navy Jan 1, 1776 The troops of Massachusetts force the British to evacuate. Jul 16, 1776 The Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts Feb 6, 1788 Massachusetts becomes a State. Jan 1, 1795 State house was built in Boston Jan 1, 1875 First Christmas card Jan 1, 1876 First telephone is shown by Alexander Graham Jan 1, 1891 First Basketball game played in Springfield Jan 1, 1892 First gasoline powered automobile Jan 1, 1895 First Volleyball game was played in Holyoke Jan 1, 1897 First American subway System in Boston