Exploration & Settlement

Columbus lands at Hispaniola in the Caribbean

1492

Began the contact between Europeans and Native Americans. When Europeans arrived millions of Native Americans were living on the land, in small villages in large cities.

Balboa "discovers" the Pacific Ocean in Panama

1513

He crossed the Caribbean coasts from east of the Panama along the Colombian coast across the pacific ocean.

Cortes conquers the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).

1521

Three month siege, Spanish forces under Hernan Cortes and his men capture Aztec emperor.

De Soto explorers the region between Florida and the Mississippi RIver

1539

De Soto made wealthy money slave trading over sea. He supplied ships for Francisco Pizzario in his conquest.

First permanent English settlement is founded in Jamestown, Virgina

1607

Powhatan Indians had found Jamestown and when the settlers went to this place to have the first permanent, they wanted it to be settled how memorable it should.

Mayflower pilgrims found plymouth colony in Massachutes

1620

Settlement in New England settlers were a group of about 100 Puritan Separatist Pilgrims who sailed the Mayflower.

English settlers defeat Native Americans in King Philip's war

1676

In British colony history war that pitted Native Americans against English settlers.

France claims the Mississippi River valey and names it Louisiana

1682

The area was named in honor of King Louie XIV Louisiana was divided into two regions.