Introduction to American Exploration and Settlement
Norsemen, including Leif Ericson, are generally believed to have been the first Europeans to visit the American continent, about 1000. They attempted to colonize northwestern Newfoundland and possibly other areas, but their efforts were short-lived. Not until after Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas in 1492 did the period of exploration of the continent really begin.
In 1497-98, John Cabot explored the Newfoundland coast and also farther south along the Atlantic seaboard. His voyages gave England the basis for its claim to the land later settled by its colonists. (Spain and Portugal also laid claim to the New World on the basis of their explorations.) Many years passed, however, before England followed up Cabot's explorations.
Other Developments, to 1763
1600's. Harvard College, first college in the British colonies, founded (1636). The first legal recognition given to slavery, by Massachusetts in 1641. The Salem (Massachusetts) witch trials occurred, 1692-93.1700-63. The Boston News-Letter, first American newspaper, began publication (1704). First botanical garden established, in Philadelphia, by John Bartram (1728). First circulating library opened, in Philadelphia (1731). During 1726-56 there occurred the Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals. Leaders included Jonathan Edwards and Samuel Davis. The libel trial of John Peter Zenger, a landmark in the fight for freedom of the press, was held in 1735.