Early history of Washington state and America.

North American Indian cultures flourish.

12,000 BCE

Pre American history

1492 – Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, lands on the island of San Salvidor in the Bahamas, discovering the New World for Europe.

1492

American history

John Cabot of England explores the Atlantic coast of Canada, claiming the area for the English King, Henry VII. Cabot is the first of many European explorers to seek a Northwest Passage (northern water route) to Asia.

1497

(Not really United States history but relevant.)

The name "America" is first used in a geography book referring to the New World with Amerigo Vespucci getting credit for the discovery of the continent.

1507

Us history

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León lands on the coast of Florida.

1513

American history

Hernando de Soto of Spain discovers the Mississippi River.

1541

Us history

1543 - Pacific Northwest claimed by Spain

1543

Washington history

1570s – Iroquois Confederacy founded.

1570

American history

1579 - The Washington coast sighted by Sir Francis Drake and claimed for England

1579

Washington history

Sir Francis Drake attacks Saint Augustine, Florida

1586

Us history

Sir Walter Raleigh finds Roanoke colony.

1587

Us history

In Europe, the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the English results in Great Britain replacing Spain as the dominant world power and leads to a gradual decline of Spanish influence in the New World and the widening of English imperial interests.

1588

Us history

Roanoke colony found deserted

1590

Us history

1592 - Discovery of Strait of Juan de Fuca claimed by Juan de Fuca

1592

Washington history