Early American History Links

Historical Milestones of Early America

Explore the major historical milestones of the Thirteen Colonies including, the Whiskey Rebellion, the Declaration of Arms, The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, and Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" proclamation.

Where it all began: Plymouth Rock

Who were the Pilgrims? Why did they sail in the Mayflower? What was their life like? How did they befriend the Indians? The answers to these questions are just the beginning of what life was like in those first few years in America.

A Closer Look at Jamestown

Take a detailed look at Jamestown’s history; including the timeline leading up to it’s establishment as the first English settlement, to Jamestown’s abandonment in 1610, and then the order by Lord de La Warr for the colonists to return.

The Roanoke Mystery

In 1584, Queen Elizabeth I sent Sir Walter Raleigh to establish a colony on Roanoke Island. However, things did not go as planned, and the men living on the Island had disappeared! The only clue left behind was part of a word carved on the trunk of a tree.

The Townshend Duties

In the effort to balance England’s budget, a British man, Charles Townshend, came up with the idea to tax the colonists to make up the financial difference. So, the British imposed several taxes on the Americans. They were taxes on items such as paper, lead, glass and tea shipped from England to the colonies. Unfair or justified?

The Stamp Act

As of March 22, 1765, colonists were forced to pay a stamp act on every piece of paper they used. This included legal documents, licenses, newspaper, and even playing cards.

Quartering Act

Under the British law, as of June 2, 1765, the colonists had to give housing, food and transportation to the British soldiers while they protected the colonists from the French. However, the colonists did not see the French as a threat and were against paying the British for protection not needed.

The Tea Act and The Boston Tea Party

Would you like a cup of tea? Not if it was a cup of British tea and you were a Bostonian in 1773. Samuel Adams and a group of men decided to let the British know exactly what they thought of the imposed laws on tea, which we know refer to as the Boston Tea Party.

The Boston Massacre

Tensions were high between the angry colonists and the British since the imposed tax laws. A very bloody battle ensued on March 5, 1770, the result of injuries and death. Did the battle really begin with a snowball?

The Life and Times of Paul Revere

Paul Revere’s Lexington ride in April of 1775 announcing the arrival of the British, hurled him into the history books. However, Paul Revere was also a crafty silversmith, goldsmith and an engraver of copper plates which were used to design business cards and songbooks. He even worked in the dentistry field cleaning teeth and creating false teeth carved from walrus ivory or animal teeth from 1768 - 1775.