EARLY AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS
St. Augustine, Florida 1565 (Settled by SPAIN) The first (non-English) permanent settlement in North America was organized on September 8, 1565 in Florida and was named St. Augustine by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles. It later was owned by the British, and finally the Americans. It is still a thriving city today, 350 years later.
Jamestown Settlement 1607 (Settled by ENGLAND) This settlement was organized under the direction of the Virginia Company of London and was the first permanent English settlement; they hoped to make huge amounts of money from this venture, which never came to pass. They also hoped to convert the natives to Christianity. Of course, they wanted fame and glory for themselves! The settlement received its name from King James I of England who gave the charter for this expedition. Heard of John Smith or Pocahontas? This is where they made their marks on history.
Plymouth Colony 1620 (Settled by ENGLAND) The Pilgrims. Among the leaders were William Bradford, John Carver, William Brewster, and Miles Standish. They lead a small group of English citizens (Separatists) who were seeking religious freedom. They established the first well organized local government in the New World, making a document called the MAYFLOWER COMPACT.
Who were the Pilgrims?
What was the Mayflower Compact?
The Mayflower Compact was a legal agreement signed in 1620 by 41 male passengers of the Mayflower. (Women and children were not allowed to sign such a document.) Signers agreed to be obedient to the laws established by those in authority for the "general good" of the colony. Here are the exact words of the Compact:
"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
What really happened on that 1st Thanksgiving?
What was the impact of the Pilgrims
on the Native Americans?
on the Native Americans?
There is always a great impact when two or more cultures collide. When Europeans first met the many established tribes of North and South America, the course of human history was forever altered. Read the article "At a Glance" about how Native Americans were impacted by Europeans then look at the maps and watch the videos to see how Europeans invaded Native American lands and took over. What were the impacts of European explorers on Native Americans?
