Timeline

 

 

1539-1542, Conquistador Hernando de Soto explores what is now Florida, continuing through the lower Southeastern states to the Mississippi River and Louisiana.



 

May, 1603, Samuel de Champlain explores the St. Lawrence region of present-day Canada, claiming it for France.

 

1607, colonists from England arrive in what is now Virginia, forming the Jamestown colony.

 

November, 1620 Settlers from England arrive in the vicinity of Plymouth Rock near what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts.