Christopher Columbus arrives in the Caribbean and is later honored by the Spanish court as the first European to explore "the Americas."
English colonizers make landfall at Cape Henry, VA, the "New -World," just prior to founding nearby Jamestown, the first English settlement in America.
The first Africans, not necessarily slaves and of unknown status, arrive on the Dutch Man-O-War ship at Point Comfort, south of Jamestown.
The first permanent settlement in New England, the Plymouth Colony, is established by the Pilgrims.
The English Civil War -- a series of civil wars and political machinations begins.
British Parliament introduces the Iron Act, prohibiting the building of iron-related production facilities in the colonies.
Benjamin Franklin conducts his famous kite experiment, which leads to the discovery of electricity.
The opening battle of the French and Indian Wars occurs at the Battle of Jumonville Glen near present day Uniontown Pennsylvania. The war pits the colonies of British America against those of New France, each side supported by military units from the parent country and by Native American allies.
: Boston Tea Party - a political and mercantile protest by the Sons of Liberty to protest British Parliament's tax on tea. "No taxation without representation."
