-
Founding of Jamestown and Virginia
Jamestown is the first permanent British colony in North America. Its founding also marks the dawn of the colony of Virginia. -
Arrival of First Slaves in British North America
The arrival of slaves in America ushers in the beginning of slavery in British colonies and later the United States. -
The Mayflower Compact
Separatist "Pilgrims" sign the Mayflower Compact, the first North American government document, before leaving the ship to settle in Plymouth, Massachusetts -
Founding of Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Bay Company founds the Massachusetts Bay Colony. -
Founding of Maryland
Charles I gives the Catholic Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, the colony of Maryland. Calvert wishes for Maryland to be a place of religious freedom, especially for his fellow Catholics. Many anti-Anglicans come, however, and push out Catholicism. -
British Take New Netherland
The Dutch colony of New Netherland falls to the British without any bloodshed. It is named New York for its proprietor, James, the Duke of York. New Jersey also comes out of New Netherland as East and West Jersey. -
Founding of Pennsylvania
William Penn receives Pennsylvania colony as payment for debts. He uses the colony to create a haven for Quakers. -
Salem Witch Trials Come to an End
In New England, the witch-hunting craze known as the Salem Witch Trials comes to an end
