European Nations Settle in North America Timeline

Verrazzand discovers New York Harbor

Apr 4, 1525

Verrazzand, who was a French explorer discovers New York Harbor.

Jaques Cartier manes an island on the St. Lawrence River

Apr 10, 1534

Frenchman Jaques Cartier navigates the St. Lawrence River names an island along the River Montreal.

Jamestown is Founded

Apr 10, 1607

Jamestown is founded onthe coase of Virginia by 100 English settlers.

Samuel de Champlain founds the colony of Quebec.

Apr 10, 1608

French Explorer, Samuel de Champlain founds the colony of Quebec.

Henry Hudson claims New Netherland region

Apr 10, 1609

Henry Hudosn, exploring the Netherlands, claims land that will become New Netherland.

Epidemis of smallpox breaks out amongst the Native Amercan tribes

Apr 10, 1616

An epidemic of smallpox, brought by the European settlers, kills many Native Americans on the New England coast,

Pilgrims found a colony in Plymouth

Apr 10, 1620

Pilgrims from England found an English colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

New Netherlands becomes New York

Apr 10, 1664

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

King Phillip's War begins

Apr 10, 1675

King Phillip's War begins in the colonial villages of Massachusetts, between colonists and Native Americans.

Sieur de la Salle explores the lower Mississippi Valley River.

Apr 10, 1683

Sieur de la salla explores the lower Mississippi Valley River, and claims the valley for France and names it Louisiana in Honor of the French King Louis XIV.

French and Indian War Begins

Apr 10, 1757

War between the British and the French, known as the French and Indian War begins. The war is fought over diputed land claims in the Ohio Valley.