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The Founding of Jamestown
In 1607, three ships landed in modern day Virginia. The passengers created a settlement which they named James Towne in honor of King James IV. The name has since been changed to Jamestown. -
Discovery of the Hudson River
In an effort to to find an ice-free passage to Asia through the continent, Henry Hudson anchored off of Manhattan and traded with the local natives. He sailed up the river, which would later be named the Hudson, but never found the waterway he was searching for. -
King James Bible is Created
Although King James IV did not approve of the Puritians, he agreed that they ought to have an official translation of the Bible. Displacing the Geneva Bible, the Great Bible, and the Bishop's Bible, King James instituted the Authorized King James Bible. -
Tobacco Becomes America's Primary Export
Following several failed attempts at colonizing, American settlers are introduced to tobacco, and quickly utilize its profitability. Tobacco plantations allowed Jamestown to become the first successful colony, and 50,000 pound of tobacco were shipped annually from Virginia to England. -
The First Thanksgiving
Thankful for Native American help, the settlers in Massachusetts hold a feast. The Wampanoag chief, Massasoit and over ninety other Native Americans are invited to celebrate. The day is later instituted as Thanksgiving. -
The Mystic Massacre
The Pequot War began over the issue of trade control. The English settlers were attempting to break Dutch control, while the Pequot Indians struggled to maintain their regional dominance.The Mystic Massacre occurred as a result of this war. Several Pequot Indians killed 600 members of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. -
Robert Hooke Discovers Cells
After the microscope was invented, it began to be used extensively. While looking at samples of cork and also live plants under a microscope, Robert Hooke, who was an English Natural Philosopher discovers cells. -
King Philip's War
Massasoit's son Metacom adopts the name King Philip in a gesture of peace to the English settlers. However, due to expansion, tensions rise, and finally war breaks out. They called it King Philip's War, but Metacom and his people lost. Metacom's body was cut into quarters and put on display in Fort Plymouth for over twenty years.
