Exploration & Colonial America, 1400-1775
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Contents
Exploration |
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- America to 1620 Dr. Christopher Miller discusses early America including topics such as Reconquista, trade routes, European discovery of the New World, native cultures, the Columbian Exchange, and the rise of the slave trade.
- Amerigo Vespucci's Account of his First Voyage Presents the text of Amerigo Vespucci's letter to Pier Soderini describing his voyage to the New World.
- Amerigo Vespucci, Explorer and Navigator Tells the life story of Italian explorer who made two voyages to the New World but is best known for when his letters describing the lands he saw were published.
- Christopher Columbus Tells the story of Christopher Columbus including his voyages, his accomplishments, and failures.
- Christopher Columbus: Extracts from Journals Presents excerpts of the journal of Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage and discovery of the New World.
- Columbia or America: 500 Years of Controversy From Cornell University, this site probes the controversy as to why America was chosen to name the western continents instead of Columbia. Both Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci are profiled.
- Coronado National Memorial Explore the history of the Coronado Expedition in 1540-1542 and the park in Arizona.
- De Soto National Memorial In 1529, Hernando De Soto landed here and began a five year expedition ending up in present day Arkansas. This park chronicles the expedition as well as preserve four different ecosystems.
- The Discovery of New York Tells the story of Giovanni da Verrazano and his voyage where he discovered New York, from his birth home in Italy.
- The Discovery of North America by Leif Erikson, c1000 From The Saga of Eric the Red compiled by Jon Thordharson in 1387 and translated by A. M. Reeves, describes Lief Erikson's travels and discovery of North America.
- Early Americas Digital Library From the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities, this site contains electronic texts of writings from 1492 to 1820. Here you can read journals written by explorers like Christopher Columbus and Samuel Champaign and writings by authors like Edward Taylor and Jonathan Edwards.
- Explorers Profiles explorers from 1300 to present day.
- 1492: An Ongoing Voyage Describes what life was like before Columbus set sail in 1492 in Europe and in the Americas, and describes the life of Christopher Columbus.
- The Internet Guide to Christopher Columbus The Franciscans compiled links to biographies of Christopher Columbus, his voyages, and bibliographies.
- Jacques Marquette Highlights the life of Jesuit priest Father Jacques Marquette who explored the Mississippi River.
- John Cabot's Discovery of North America (1497) The online text of three documents describing John Cabot's voyage that led him to North America.
- Juan Ponce de Leon Discusses the life and legacy of Juan Ponce de Leon, the explorer of Florida.
- L'Anse au Meadows: Evidence of Vikings in North America Investigates the L'Anse au Meadows archaeological site in Newfoundland where evidence has been found of a Viking settlement 500 years before Columbus set sail.
- Latitude Explains how the discovery of latitude changed the world of navigation.
- Leif Erikson: First European in North America Explores the life of Leif Erikson and his legendary discovery and settlement in North America.
- The Life & Voyages of Henry Hudson Explores the life and voyages of Henry Hudson.
- Louis Jolliet, 1673-1694 Describes the life of French Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet who explored the Mississippi River, Illinois, and in Canada, the Labrador Coastline.
- The Mississippi Voyage of Jolliet and Marquette, 1673 The Wisconsin Historical Society presents a digitalized edition of Jacques Marquette's journey of his expedition with Louis Jolliet in 1673 down the Mississippi River.
- Robert Cavelier de la Salle, Explorer Profiles the life and expeditions of French explorer, Robert Cavelier de la Salle, who discovered Louisiana and the Mississippi River basin.
- Samuel de Champlain The Mariners Museum and Park profiles the French explorer who explored the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, and founded the city of Quebec.
- Spanish Exploration and Conquest of Native America Discusses the explorations of Spanish conquistadors Cabenza de Vaca, Hernando DeSoto, and Francisco Vasquez.
- When Wisconsin Was Discovered Tells the story of Jean Nicolet and the first travels into Wisconsin by a European.
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Colonial America |
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GENERAL
NEW ENGLAND COLONIES
PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONNECTICUT COLONY
COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
MIDDLE COLONIES
DELAWARE COLONY
PROVINCE OF NEW YORK
PROVINCE OF NEW JERSEY
PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
SOUTHERN COLONIES
COLONY AND DOMINION OF VIRGINIA
PROVINCE OF MARYLAND
PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA
PROVINCE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
PROVINCE OF GEORGIA
SPANISH COLONIES
SPANISH FLORIDA
VICEROYALTY OF NEW SPAIN
FRENCH COLONIES
NEW FRANCE
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
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- The Adverts 250 Project Presents an advertisement from a colonial newspaper that was published 250 years from that date.
- Archiving Early America: Primary Source Material from 18th Century America Here you can view documents, images, newspaper articles, and more from Colonial America.
- Colonial North American Project at Harvard University Harvard is digitizing its collection of diaries, journals, notebooks, and other works from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Fire & Freedom: Food and Enslavement in Early America Discusses the power of food and its role among the different peoples, races, genders, and classes during Early America.
- History Is Served: 18th Century Recipes for the 21st Century Kitchen Colonial Williamsburg presents recipes from the colonial period including boiled plum-pudding, cranberry tart, and more.
- The Shakers The companion website to the PBS documentary that describes United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly known as the Shakers and its history. Includes essays, timeline, teacher's guide, and more.
- 13 Originals: Founding the American Colonies Briefly describes the founding of the thirteen colonies on American soil and provides additional resources.
NEW ENGLAND COLONIES
PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY
- Caleb Johnson's Mayflower History Covers the history of the Pilgrims, their voyage to and settlement in the New World, the Wampanoag, and more.
- Dummer's War (1723-1726) Chronicles the armed conflict between colonists and the Wabanaki Confederacy in New England and Nova Scotia regions.
- The Founding of the Massachusetts Colony Covers the origins of the Massachusetts Colony and the settlement of Boston.
- History of King Philip's War Describes the war between American Indians and New England colonists 1675-1676.
- History of Queen Anne's War Explains the war between the English and Iroquois Confederacy against the French, Spanish, and Wabanaki Confederacy from 1702 to 1713.
- King William's War 1689-98 Discusses the war that broke out in the New World between the French and the English with their American Indian allies.
- Pilgrim Hall Museum This museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts tells the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags.
- Plimoth Plantation Here you can learn about the Pilgrims in the New World, the Mayflower, and the Wampanoag.
- The Plymouth Colony Archive A very extensive collection of documents and research about the Plymouth Colony.
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site Discover a colonial wharf including a 1797 trade ship.
- Salem Witch Museum The official site of the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts.
- Salem Witch Trials: Documentary Archive and Transcription Project From the University of Virginia, this valuable resource contains primary sources, courtroom transcripts, maps, and background information about the Salem Witch Trials.
- Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Chronicles the history of the Iron Works that was built in the 17th Century when Massachusetts was a young colony.
- 17th Century Colonial New England with Special Emphasis on the Essex County Witch-Hunt of 1692 Collects links on Colonial America in the seventeenth century including the Salem Witchcraft Trials.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
- All About New Hampshire Colony Introduces the New Hampshire Colony which was founded in 1623 by Captain John Mason.
- Fort Constitution Historic Site Describes the history of the fort which was first built by the British as Fort William and Mary.
- New Hampshire History Reports on the early history of New Hampshire.
- Strawbery Banke Museum This outdoor history museum in Portsmouth contains 32 historic buildings dating back to the 1690's and more.
CONNECTICUT COLONY
- Battlefields of the Pequot War Chronicles the war between American Indians and colonists that took place in 1636-1637 in present day Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- Connecticut's "The Legend of the Charter Oak" Tells the story of when King James planned on revoking Connecticut's charter, the charter was hidden in the trunk of an oak tree.
- Founding of the Connecticut Colony Briefly tells the story of the founding of the Connecticut colony from the first Dutch trading post to the establishment of towns.
- Fundamental Orders of 1639 The towns of Wethersfield, Hartford, and Windsor developed the Fundamental Orders of 1639 to establish a government.
- Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut Presents a history of Connecticut before the American Revolution and information about the society.
- Timeline Settlement of the Colony of Connecticut Presents a timeline of Connecticut history from precolonial to 1665.
COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
- Carter Roger Williams Initiative Archives resources relating to Roger Williams and the founding of Rhode Island including biographical resources, Native Americans, and Rhode Island. Educator resources are also included.
- Charter of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1663 A digitalized edition of the original charter for the colony of Rhode Island.
- A History of the Colony of Rhode Island Summarizes the history of the Colony of Rhode Island from its early settlements to the American Revolution.
- Roger Williams and the Founding of Rhode Island This is Chapter 1 of EnCompass, an online textbook about the history of Rhode Island with primary and secondary sources, lesson plans, and other resources.
- Roger Williams National Memorial Profiles the founder of Rhode Island colony and champion of religious freedom.
- Smith's Castle Around 1637, Richard Smith built a fortified home earning the nickname "Smith's Castle." It was burned in 1676 during the King Philip's War, but rebuilt by his son, Richard Smith, Jr. in 1778.
MIDDLE COLONIES
DELAWARE COLONY
- America's Forgotten Swedish Colony The Swedes colonized parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey calling the colony New Sweden. It lasted for 17 years before the Dutch took it over.
- A Brief History of the Delaware Colony Delves into the history of the Delaware Colony from its Dutch and Swedish settlements to the American Revolution.
- Charter of Delaware - 1701 Presents a digitalized edition of the Charter of Delaware which was signed in 1701.
- Kalmar Nyckel The original tall ship was Peter Minuit's flagship that was built in 1625 and made four round trips to New Sweden. This replica was launched in 1997 as a floating classroom.
- Old Swedes Church This church in Wilmington, Delaware, was built by Swedish colonists in 1698-99.
PROVINCE OF NEW YORK
- Founding and History of the New York Colony Summarizes the history of the New York Colony from New Amsterdam to the American Revolution.
- Fraunces Travern Museum Samuel Fraunces opened this tavern in 1762. It is here where the New York Provincial Congress was founded and where General George Washington bid his officers farewell before retiring to Mount Vernon in 1783.
- New Amsterdam Become New York Tells the story of why Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam to the British in 1664.
- New Amsterdam History Center Explores the history of the Dutch in New York and surrounding colonies before the British.
- New Netherland Institute There are a variety of resources about the Dutch in American including profiles.
- Peter Stuyvesant Profiles the Governor of New Netherland until the British took over the colony.
PROVINCE OF NEW JERSEY
- Founding and History of the New Jersey Colony Digs into the history of the New Jersey Colony from the early European exploration to the American Revolution.
- Mission Work and Quaker Settlement in Colonial New Jersey Discusses the Quakers settlements in the New Jersey Colony.
- Museum of Early Trade and Crafts Located in Madison, New Jersey, this historical museum explores the history of New Jersey and its culture, trades and crafts.
- New Jersey Almanac - History -Exploration and Settlement Tells the story of the exploration and early settlements of New Jersey. The next two pages dwell into the British colony and the royal governors.
PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Bushy Run Battlefield Describes the battle that took place in August of 1763 during Pontiac's War.
- Cornwall Iron Furnace Discover how iron was made from 1742-1883.
- Charter for the Province of Pennsylvania, 1681 The digital edition of the Charter for the Province of Pennsylvania.
- Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site Before the Pennsylvania colony, the Swedes founded New Sweden in 1638. This church began construction in 1698. Its is still in use today with the official site: Gloria Dei: Old Swedes' Episcopal Church.
- Historic Ephrata Cloister Chronicles the history of one of America's earliest religious communities. Founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel.
- Pennsbury Manor This was William Penn's country retreat in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Contain a biography of William Penn.
- Pennsylvania History: 1681-1776: The Quaker Province Covers the history of Colonial Pennsylvania from the granting of the Charter to William Penn to the eve of the American Revolution, from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.
- The Vision of William Penn Chronicles what Pennsylvania was like before the arrival of William Penn, his arrival and the establishment of the Pennsylvania colony, the relationship with the American Indian Nations, and his legacy.
SOUTHERN COLONIES
COLONY AND DOMINION OF VIRGINIA
- Colonial National Historical Park Incorporates Historic Jamestown, which the first permanent English settlement established in 1607, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the Americans and French forced the British to surrender ending the Revolution. The two are connected by the Colonial Parkway.
- Colonial Williamsburg There's a lot here. You can roam the streets of Williamsburg, learn about the colonial and revolutionary lifestyle, and more.
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Park is in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia and celebrates the natural gateway to the west which was discovered in 1750. Daniel Boone blazed the Wilderness Trail through it.
- First Charter of Virginia A digitalized version of the charter granted by King James I on April 10, 1606.
- Historic Jamestowne Explore the first English settlement including the latest news on the archaeological dig.
- History and Founding of Virginia Colony Briefly tells the story of the Virginia Colony from Jamestown to the colony's contributions to the American Revolution.
- Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Two museums are featured here. The Jamestown Settlement recreates the first English settlement with Powhatan village, ships, and fort. The website discusses the history of Jamestown. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is near the actual battlefield. It chronicles the American Revolution with emphasis on the battle that led to the surrender of General Cornwallis and his troops.
- Lord Dunmore's War, 1774 Digs into the conflict between Virginian colonists and the Shawnee and Mingo.
- Shirley Plantation Describes the history of Virginia's oldest plantation.
- Stratford Hall: Home of the Lees of Virginia The home of the Lee family, built by Thomas Lee. Includes profiles of prominent Lees including Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lightfoot Lee, Light Horse Harry Lee, and Robert E. Lee.
- Westover Plantation William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond, is believed to have built this Virginian home. Contains a history of the plantation and its gardens.
PROVINCE OF MARYLAND
- Historic St. Mary's City Go back in time to Colonial Maryland at Maryland's first permanent English settlement.
- Maryland Colony History and Timeline Outlines the history of the Colony of Maryland which was founded in 1632 by Lord Baltimore as a safe haven for English Catholics.
- Maryland Tolerance Act - September 21, 1649 The digitalized edition of the Province of Maryland's act that granted religious freedom.
- Sotterley Plantation Discover what life was like to live on a 1703 plantation.
PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA
- Carolana J.D. Lewis researches the Carolina Colonies from when they were together, the 1729 split into Royal Colonies and up to the 2000s.
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Explores the first English settlement at Fort Raleigh and Roanoke Island.
- The Founding of North Carolina Colony and Its Role in the Revolution Presents a brief history of the North Carolina Colony from the mysterious Roanoke Settlement to the American Revolution.
- Historic Bath North Carolina's first town was Bath, North Carolina, founded in 1705.
- NCPedia: Introduction to Colonial North Carolina (1600-1763) Covers the colonial period in North Carolina's history from Roanoke to the French and Indian War.
- Tuscarora War, 1711-1715 Summarizes the conflict between the Tuscarora and North Carolinian settlers.
PROVINCE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- Carolana J.D. Lewis researches the Carolina Colonies from when they were together, the 1729 split into Royal Colonies and up to the 2000s.
- Drayton Hall Home Explore the oldest preserved plantation in the United States.
- Essential Facts about the South Carolina Colony Describes briefly the history of South Carolina Colony from its first settlements to the American Revolution.
- Santa Elena Founded in 1566 by Spanish colonists, this was the first settlement in present day South Carolina until it was abandoned in 1587.
PROVINCE OF GEORGIA
- Establishing the Colony of Georgia The Georgia Historical Society covers the history of colonial Georgia from it early roots to statehood.
- Facts About the Colony of Georgia Highlights the history of the colony of Georgia which was founded by James Oglethorpe in 1732.
- Fort Frederica National Monument Chronicles the battle between British and Spanish troops in 1733 resulting in the British taking over the colony.
- James Oglethorpe Profiles the British gentleman who was a social reformer and founded the colony of Georgia.
SPANISH COLONIES
SPANISH FLORIDA
- Castillo de Sans Marcos The oldest European fort in the United States, this site explores the history of the fort, the various clashes of culture, and more.
- 500 Years of Discovering Florida The University of South Florida Libraries present this online exhibit about Spanish Florida, from the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors to it becoming a part of the United States.
- Fort Matanzas National Monument Built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect the inlet of the Matanzas River, this was the site of the Spanish massacre of French troops in 1565. The history of the fort and the massacre are described on the website.
- St. Augustine History Tells the story of the history of St. Augustine, Florida from Ponce de Leon's discovery to its 400th anniversary in 1965.
VICEROYALTY OF NEW SPAIN
- The California Missions Covers the history of the 21 missions that were established in 50 years starting in 1769.
- Pueblo Uprising of 1680 Discusses the Pueblo uprising against the Spanish and its lasting impact on Southwestern culture.
- Vistas: Visual Culture in Spanish America, 1520-1820 Explore the cultural history of Spanish America from 1520-1820.
FRENCH COLONIES
NEW FRANCE
- French Colonial Louisiana Tells the history of Louisiana from 1682 to 1800 when the French colonized Louisiana.
- Grand Portage National Monument Tells the story of fur trading between the French, English, and Ojibwa people during the 1700s.
- King George's War, 1744-1748 Looks into the battles that took place in the New World that were apart of the War of the Austrian Succession in Europe.
- Virtual Museum of New France The Canadian Museum of History delves into the history of New France.
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
- Fort Ligonier This fort saw action during the French and Indian War. A young George Washington was stationed here.
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield Describes the opening battle of the French and Indian War in 1754 resulting the George Washington's only military surrender.
- The French and Indian War, 1754-63 Summarizes the conflict that took place in the New World that was a part of the Seven Years War going on in Europe.
- The French and Indian War Foundation Contains a timeline of the war, untold stories, historic landmarks, and more.
- The French and Indian War (or Seven Years War) Discusses the French and Indian War and how the conflict led to the Revolutionary War.
- The French and Iroquois Wars, 1642-1698 Summarizes the conflicts between the Iroquois Confederation and French settlers.
- Maps of the French and Indian War From the Massachusetts Historical Society, this site not only includes neat maps from the war, but also a brief history of the war and a timeline.
- Pontiac's Uprising Tells about the Odawa uprising at the end of the French and Indian War led by Pontiac.
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