1706–1754 - Colonial America

Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father who helped shape the ideas that led to the American Revolution. This collection includes important quotes from Franklin about Liberty, the American Revolution, the Constitution, and other important topics.

The French and Indian War was the North American portion of the Seven Years' War. Here are key facts and important details about the final military contest between Great Britain and France, which determined who controlled most of eastern North America.

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was the final military contest between Great Britain and France to determine which country would control most of eastern North America.

Christopher Gadsden was a successful merchant from Charleston, South Carolina. He is important because he was vocal in his opposition to British laws and participated in many key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, and Constitutional Convention.

Thomas Gage was a British officer who served as commander-in-chief of British forces in North America and as the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early days of the American Revolution.

The First Great Awakening was a religious movement that took place in the American Colonies during the first part of the 18th century. It is most well-known for creating an emphasis on spiritual devotion, individualism, and freedom that contributed to the ideals of the American Revolution.

Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father of our nation and the first Secretary of the Treasury. He led calls for the Philadelphia Convention and co-authored the Federalist Papers.

The Virginia House of Burgesses was established in 1619 as the first representative government in the British Colonies in North America.

Thomas Hutchinson (1711-1780) was a prominent figure in Massachusetts during the lead-up to the American Revolution. He is most well-known for serving as the Governor of Massachusetts during a significant portion of the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party

The Iroquois Confederacy — or the Haudenosaunee — was a league made up of six distinct Native American Indian nations that spoke the same language. The Confederacy is most well-known for its role in the Fur Trade and the major wars that shaped the American Colonies.

John Jay was a Founding Father and the First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Jay represented New York in the Continental Congress and was an author of the Federalist Papers. He wrote the Constitution of New York and served as Governor from 1795-1801.

In 1611, John Robinson and a small group of Separatists purchased land in Leiden, at and around this location. Robinson's home was located on this spot, and also served as the church for his congregation. When they purchased the property, it was known as Groenpoort — Green Gate — and then became known as Engelese Poort — English Alley.

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father and the third President of the United States. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence and founded the University of Virginia. He also served as Governor of Virginia, Virginia Congressman, Minister to France, Secretary of State under George Washington and Vice President under John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father who helped shape the ideas that led to the independence of the United States. This collection includes important quotes from Jefferson about Liberty, the American Revolution, the Constitution, and other important topics.

The War of Jenkins’ Ear was fought between Great Britain and Spain from 1739 to 1748. Most of the battles were fought in the Caribbean, but it carried over to America, where Georgia and Florida clashed over disputed territory.

When he died, Pilgrim Father John Robinson was buried at Pieterskerk — St. Peter's Church — in Leiden. It is just down the street from where he lived.

This historical marker at St. Peter's Church in Leiden pays tribute to John Robinson for his leadership of the Pilgrims while they lived in Leiden.

William Samuel Johnson was a successful lawyer from Stratford, Connecticut, and a Founding Father of the United States. He participated in many key events that shaped the nation, including the Stamp Act Congress, Confederation Congress, and Constitutional Convention. He signed the Constitution and played a key role in the development of the Judiciary Act of 1789. He is also one of the Founding Fathers of Connecticut.

King Hendrick was a Mohawk Indian chief. He was also known as Hendrick Peters, which was his Christian name, and as Theyanoguin.

Henry Knox was a General in the Continental Army and a close friend of George Washington. Knox led the expedition to retrieve cannon and artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and served as Chief Artillery Officer of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.