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1492
Columbus lands at Hispaniola in the Carribean
Christopher Columbus marked the beginning of contact between European and Native Americans. Columbus claimed Hispaniola in 1492 and declaring it Isla Espanola. The settlers brought diseases and killed millions of them. Hispaniola is the 22nd largest in the world located in the Caribbean.Haiti is 1/3 of the island while Dominican Republic controls the balance of land. Haiti is located in North America. -
1513
Balboa "discovers" the Pacific Ocean in Panama
In 1513, while leading in search of gold, Vasco Nunez sighted the Pacific Ocean. Balboa claimed the ocean and all the shores for Spain. Balboa led an expedition of some 190 Spaniards and a number of Indians southward across of Panama. Balboa was named governor of provinces in Panama and Coiba, but remained under the authority of Pedrarias. -
1521
Cortes conquers the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan (Mexico City)
Hernan Cortes is one of the well-known Spanish conquistadors. He is known as conquering the Aztec Empire and for also claiming Mexico for Spain. He became governor of New Spain. At the age of 19 Cortes set sail for the New World. He attacked Tenochtitlan in 1521. By that time Aztecs no longer trusted Montezuma. They were short on food, and the smallpox were under way. Over 3 million Aztecs died, so it made the Spanish take Tenochtitlan easier. -
1539
De Soto explores the region between Florida and the Mississippi River
Hernando De Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who led First European expedition deep. He is the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River. -
First permanent English settlement is founded in Jamestown, Virginia.
It was founded by the London Company in 1607 as James Fort. The first permanent English settlement in the United States. Colonists sailed across Atlantic aboard the Constant,and Discovery. -
Mayflower Pilgrims found Plymouth colonies in Massachusetts.
Mayflower on November 11, 1620, was the first written framework of government establish which now is United States. Plymouth Colony was an England colonial venture in North America from 1620 to 1691. First settlement was on Plymouth Colony was at New Plymouth, a place where it was named by captain John Smith. -
English settlers defeat Native Americans in King Philip's War
Bradford and other Puritan writers were motivated by their beliefs about role in God's plan. Writings included historical narratives, sermons, and poems written in generally plain style. War named Metacomet. Philip due to the friendly relations between his father and Mayflower Pilgrims the war continued northern reaches of New England until the signing of Treaty of the Casco Bay in 1678. -
France claims the Mississippi River Valley and names it Louisiana.
After early fishing expeditions beginning in 1520s, France established settlements along St. Lawrence River in the Eastern Canada in early 1600s. French settlers were far fewer than English settlers in the Americas.
