European Nations Settle In North America By krayton Apr 3, 1524 Verazzand, sailing for France discovers New York Harbor Apr 3, 1607 Jamestown is founded on the coast of Virginia by 100 English settlers. Apr 3, 1608 French Explorer, Samuel de Champlain, founds the colony of Quebec Apr 4, 1609 Henry Hudson claims land that becomes New Netherlands. Apr 4, 1616 Smallpox epediemic brought by the Europeans, kills many native americans. Apr 4, 1675 King Philips War begins Apr 3, 1754 War between the British and the French, known as the French and Indian War. Apr 4, 2012 Jaques Cartier navigates the St. Lawerance River names an island along the River Montreal