Timeline of United States of America

Chronology

50 events spanning the history of United States of America. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1492

   Christopher Columbus discovers America.

   Christopher Columbus discovers America.

2. 1607

   Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established.

   Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, is established by the London Company in southeast Virginia.

3. 1620

   Plymouth Colony, near Cape Cod, is founded by the Pilgrim Fathers.

   Plymouth Colony, near Cape Cod, is founded by the Pilgrim Fathers, whose example is followed by other English Puritans in New England.

4. 1754 – 1763

   French and Indian War.

   French and Indian War.

5. 1765 – 1773

   The British Parliament bypasses colonial assemblies and imposes taxes.

   The British Parliament bypasses colonial assemblies and imposes several internal and external taxes on the outraged colonists.

6. 1770

   Boston Massacre.

   Boston Massacre. British troops fire into a mob, killing five men and leading to intense public protests.

7. 1773

   The colonial response to taxation without representation culminates in the Boston Tea Party.

   The colonial response to taxation without representation culminates in the Boston Tea Party. The Sons of Liberty dump 342 chests of tea into Boston harbor.

8. 1774

   Armed conflict between the colonists and British redcoats begins.

   Armed conflict between the colonists and British redcoats begins in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.

9. 1774

   Delegates begin meeting for the First Continental Congress.

   Delegates begin meeting for the First Continental Congress and agree to send grievances to King George III.

10. 1775

    A Second Continental Congress begins meeting in Philadelphia.

    A Second Continental Congress begins meeting in Philadelphia.