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Sep 15, 1492
Columbus Discovers North America
Columbus set sail wanting to find a shorter route to Asia, but instead he landed in the Bahamas. This is significant because this was the first time the Europeans saw North America. -
Period: Sep 15, 1492 to
Ten Significant Events
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Jamestown Colony Established
The Jamestown Colony was the first permenant English settlement in North America. It was fonded in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London in hopes of finding gold, and satisfying investors. This is significant because it was the very first English settlement in the New World. -
Cultivation of Tobacco started in Virgina
In about 1617, tobacco became one of the biggest exports from the colonies. It is very important because it led to settlement of Jamestown. Before tobacco, the Chesapeake Colonies were weak, but tobacco was a huge cash crop. It also led to the first economic development. -
Slaves Come to America
In 1619, the first slaves were brought to North America due to the cultivation of Tobacco in Jamestown. When Tobacco began to thrive on big plantations, more labor was needed. Due to diseases, a majority of the Indians had died and indentured servants were less common, so Africans were eventually brought over. This is significant because slavery would eventually cause a lot of problems for America. -
Plymouth Colony Established
In 1620, the Plymouth Colony was established by the separatists Pilgrims and the Virginia Company for religious freedom. The Plymouth Colony was one of the first successful English settlements and it was the first English settlement in the north, which would eventually become known as New England. -
French and Indian War Begins
On May 1, 1754, the French and Indian War began.The result of this war was that Britain was the dominant power in North America. Also, in the aftermath of everything, the colonists were beginning to get frustrated with Britain, which eventually led to the Revolution. This is significant because it was it caused the colonists to be frustrated with the British and want to revolt against them. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
On April 19, 1775 the Battles of Lexington and Concord was fought in the towns of Lexington, Concord, Menotomy, and Cambridge. This is significant because these battles marked the beginning of the American Revolution against the British. -
The Declaration of Independence was adopted
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress. This signified America as a nation free from Britain, therefore it is very important in the development of our nation. -
Battle of Yorktown
Between the days of September 28th and October 19th of 1781, the Battle of Yorktown was fought. This battle was significant because it was the end of major fighting in the America Revolution. At this battle, General Cornwallis formally surrendered 8,000 troops to the Americans. -
The Treaty of Paris was signed
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This is very important because it formally ended the Revolutionary War of the United States against Britain.