European Nations Settle in North America

Verrazano, sailing for France discovers New York Harbor.

Apr 17, 1524

Frenchman Jacques Cartier names an Island along the River Montreal

Apr 17, 1535

Jamestown is founded on the coast of Virginia by 100 English settlers

Apr 17, 1607

Henry Hudson claims the Netherlands, named it New Netherland

Apr 17, 1609

Pilgrims from England found an English Colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Apr 17, 1620

The Duke of York drives out the Dutch in New Netherland, the Duke of York claims the colony for England and renames it New York

Apr 17, 1624

King Phillip's War begins

Apr 17, 1675

Begins in Colonial villages of Massachusetts, between the colonists and Native Americans

Sieur de la Salle explores the lower Mississippi Valley river, and claims the vall for France and names it Louisiana.

Apr 17, 1678

French & Indian War

Apr 17, 1756

War between the British and French, this war was fought over disputed land claims in the Ohio Valley

French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, finds the colony of Quebec.

Apr 17, 1763

Epidemic of smallpox

Apr 17, 1775

Brought by Europeans, killed many native Americans on the New England coast.