Western Timeline By NZCribbstar May 12, 1000 Leif Ericson, the Viking, sails to the east coast of North America. The Viking, sails to the east coast of North America. Apr 15, 1492 Christopher Columbus lands in the Bahamas and finds 'The New World'. He calls the native Americans 'INDIANS'. Apr 12, 1565 St. Augustine (Florida) is founded as Spanish stronghold and is the first permanent white settlement in America. May 27, 1587 Sir Walter Raleigh tries to found an English settlement at Roanoke Island but it mysteriously disappears. Mar 19, 1607 Jamestown in Virginia becomes the first permanent English settlement in America. Jan 1, 1620 English Pilgrims arrive on the 'Mayflower' at Plymouth. May 13, 1775 War Independence. American Colonies break away from British rule. From 1776 on, they call themselves the United States (U.S.) 1775-1783 Jul 14, 1778 The first of 370 treaties between the U.S. and Indians is signed.