The First Colonial Settlements
What were some of the major European settlements in early America?
Goal:
Goal:
The first European settlers came to America in search of religious freedom. Some people were also looking for wealth and independence. Colonists settled on the first land that they reached. Study the slides below to learn about some of the earliest American settlements.
St. Augustine, Florida (1565)
Europeans established the oldest settlement in the United States: St. Augustine, Florida, was founded by the Spanish. Jamestown, Virginia (1607)
The first permanent English settlement in the New World was Jamestown, Virginia. Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620)
Founded by the Pilgrims, Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the oldest settlement in New England (the area of six states that makes up the northeastern region of the U.S.) Pilgrims were European settlers that came over from England on the Mayflower. Plymouth is known as "America's Hometown." The first Thanksgiving took place between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans there. St. Mary's City, Maryland (1634)
St. Mary's City was Maryland's first settlement. It is known for being the birthplace of religious freedom, which meant colonists of different faiths were able to live together there. New Netherland/New York (1624/1664)
Established and settled first by the Dutch, New Netherland was a major port city for trade in the North Atlantic Ocean. Settlers wanted to capitalize on the fur trade with the native people, the Algonquians. In 1664 the English took over the settlement. They renamed it New York after the Duke of York (the future king of England). New York soon grew into a major trading port. |
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