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1492
Columbus lands in Hispanola in the Caribbean
When the Europeans first arrived millions of Native Americans were living on the land, in small villages, and in large cities such as the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. -
1513
Balboa "discovers" the Pacific Ocean in Panama
On September 25th, 1513 Balboa Crossed Panama and discovered the Pacific Ocean with 190 other Spaniards. -
1529
Cortez conquers the Aztecs in Tenochtitlan
On August 13, 1521 Hernan Cortez led Spanish forces to a victorious war against the Aztec Empire. -
1539
De Soto explores the region between Florida and the Mississippi River
On May 8, 1541, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi River. He was one of the first to do so. -
First permanent English settlement is founded in Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown was established by the Virginia Company of London as "James Fort" on May 4, 1607 and was considered permanent after they abandoned it for a little in 1610. -
Mayflower pilgrims found Plymouth colony in Massachusetts
Plymouth Colony First colonial settlement in New England founded 1620 by 100 Puritan Separatist Pilgrims, who sailed on the Mayflower and settled on what is now Cape Cod bay, Massachusetts. -
English settlers defeat Native American in King Philip war
King Philip's War (1675-1676) marked the last major effort by the Native Americans of southern New England to drive out the English settlers. King Philip — led a bloody uprising of Wampanoag, Nipmuck, Pocumtuck and Narragansett tribes. -
France claims the Mississippi River Valley and names it Louisiana
In 1682, Robert Cavalier Sieur de La Salle and a larger party of explorers followed much the same route as Marquette and Jolliet. But La Salle's journey brought him all the way to the Gulf of Mexico; where he claimed the Mississippi River Valley for his King and named it in his honor, Louisiana.
