1607–1706 - Exploration & Settlement

The Second Anglo-Powhatan War (1622–1632) was fought between Jamestown and the Powhatan Confederacy in the area known to the Powhatans as Tsenacomoco and Virginia to the colonists. The war ended in 1632 with a peace treaty that gave the colonists control of the peninsula between the James River and the York River.

The Third Anglo-Powhatan War (1644–1646) was fought between Jamestown and the Powhatan Confederacy in the area known to the Powhatans as Tsenacomoco and Virginia to the colonists. Virginia won the war and brought an end to the once-powerful Powhatan Confederacy.

Nathaniel Bacon was a Virginia plantation owner who led the first organized uprising against English officials in the colonies — Bacon’s Rebellion.

On July 30, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon issued his “Declaration of the People of Virginia” and attacked Governor William Berkeley and his political allies.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1675–1677) was the first armed uprising by colonists against English government officials in the British colonies in North America. Although the rebellion failed, the outcome contributed to the increased usage of enslaved African-Americans in Colonia Virginia.

In the summer of 1676, during Bacon's Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon issued his “Manifesto Concerning the Present Troubles in Virginia,” which defended the actions he had taken against the Indians and Governor William Berkeley.

In the summer of 1676, during Bacon's Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon required his men to agree to this Oath of Fidelity. Later, he forced political enemies to do the same.

In May 1676, during Bacon's Rebellion, Governor William Berkeley issued his “Declaration and Remonstrance” which defended his actions and condemned Nathanial Bacon for attacking Native American Indians without his permission.

On October 27, 1675, King Charles II issues a Proclamation to suppress Bacon's Rebellion.

The Beaver Wars were a series of battles that were fought over control of the fur trade in colonial America. During the wars, the Iroquois Confederation took control of the fur trade, eliminated rival Native American Indian tribes, and terrorized French settlements. The French and their Indian allies responded with attacks on Iroquois villages and English settlements. The conflict lasted for nearly a century and ended with the Peace of Montreal in 1701.

The Charter of Massachusetts Bay (1629) set up the government and extent of authority for the New England Company, which later become known as the Massachusetts Bay Company. In 1630, the Massachusetts Bay Company founded the city of Boston.

This Guide to the British Colonies in North America provides essential facts about each colony, along with links to content on American History Central.

Connecticut Colony was one of the 13 Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. The colony started in 1636 and developed the first written constitution in America, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.

Facts about the history, geography, and people of Colonial Connecticut, which was one of the 13 Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Connecticut started in 1636 and developed the first written constitution in America, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.

The Dominion of New England was created in 1686 to bring several colonies under the more direct control of the English Crown.

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

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Established in 1607, the colonists survived famine, disease, weather, and several conflicts with Native American Indians. Jamestown grew, expanded, and served as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1607 until 1698.

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.

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.