Timeline: U.S. History Timeline

Jan 4, 1606

Jamestown

Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia

Apr 6, 1619

Jamestown slave

The first African slaves are brought to Jamestown

Jan 9, 1620

Pilgrims

The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England

Jan 7, 1650

Population

Colonial population is estimated at 50,400.

Jan 2, 1664

Colony

English seize New Amsterdam (city and colony) from the Dutch and rename it New York

Feb 6, 1770

Boston Massacre

Boston Massacre:British troops fire into a mob, killing five men and leading to intense public protests

Feb 7, 1773

Boston Tea Party

Boston Tea Party:Group of colonial patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians board three ships in Boston harbor and dump more than 300 crates of tea overboard as a protest against theBritish tea tax(Dec. 16).

Feb 8, 1774

Philadelphia meetings

First Continental Congressmeets in Philadelphia, with 56 delegates representing every colony except Georgia. Delegates includePatrick Henry,George Washington, andSamuel Adams (

Feb 9, 1776

Independence adoption

Continental Congress adopts theDeclaration of Independencein Philadelphia

Apr 6, 1777

Flag

Continental Congress approves the first officialflagof the United States (June 14). Continental Congress adopts theArticles of Confederation, the first U.S. constitution (

Jun 12, 1800

U.S Capital

The U. S. capital is moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Apr 12, 1803

Louisiana Purchase

Louisiana Purchase January 18. Jefferson asks Congress for funds for an expedition to explore the Mississippi River and beyond in search of a route to the Pacific. Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson's private secretary, begins planning the expedition, which forms late in 1803.

Mar 12, 1835