Early Americas Timeline

By Raymond Garner
  • 1492

    Christopher Columbus makes his first voyage to the Americas.

  • The Roanoke Colony is founded. It will disappear and become known as the "Lost Colony."

    The Roanoke Colony is founded. It will disappear and become known as the "Lost Colony."

  • The Jamestown Settlement is established.

    The Jamestown Settlement is established.

  • Only 60 out of 500 settlers in Jamestown survive the winter of 1609-1610. It is called the "Starving Time.

  • Henry Hudson explores the northeast coast and the Hudson River.

  • Jamestown settler John Rolfe marries Pocahontas, the daughter of the Powhatan Indian chief.

    Jamestown settler John Rolfe marries Pocahontas, the daughter of the Powhatan Indian chief.

  • The Dutch colony of New Netherland is established.

  • The first African slaves arrive in Jamestown. The first representative government, the Virginia House of Burgesses, meets at Jamestown.

  • Plymouth Colony is founded by the Pilgrims.

    Plymouth Colony is founded by the Pilgrims.

  • The Dutch purchase Manhattan Island from the local Native Americans.

  • Bostonian colonists protest the Tea Act with the Boston Tea Party.

  • The Revolutionary War begins.