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Jamestown Founded
Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in America, is established in Virginia by the London Company. -
First Tobacco Crop
The first tobacco crop was planted in Jamestown by John Rolfe. The crop saved the colony and brought more settlers in from England. -
First Slaves Arrive in Virginia
The first slaves in America arrived in Jamestown on a Dutch trading ship. -
First meeting of the House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in America, met for the first time. -
Plymouth Colony Established
Pilgrims from England established Plymouth colony in Massachusetts. The Mayflower Compact was signed by forty-one male pilgrims before disembarking from their ship, which formed the basis of their government. -
Maryland Founded
The colony of Maryland was founded by King Charles I. It was intended to be a haven for Catholics. -
King Charles I Executed
King Charles I was executed, which caused the first tensions regarding British rule in the colonies. Some colonists wished to stay neutral in the conflict, while others declared loyalty to Britain. -
Virginia Law
The first law regarding slavery in the colonies was passed in Virginia. It decreed that slaves' children would also be considered as slaves. -
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King Philip's War
A Native American named Metacom led the Wampanoags to attack the British in Swansea. British retaliated, and this escalated to a war between several colonies and the natives -
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Bacon's Rebellion
Several Doeg Native Americans and a Virginian settler had an argument, which resulted in violence that escalated the disagreement to a violent conflict. Nathanial Bacon led a group of colonists to openly attack natives, claiming it was self-defense. -
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The Glorious Revolution
Unrest in Britain brought about another change in monarchs. William II and Mary took the throne in this virtually bloodless revolution.