Exploration and Colonization in Early America

Coronado

Spanish explorer who searched for the Seven Cities of Gold in the Southwest U.S.

Champlain

French explorer who founded Quebec and opened up fur trade in Canada.

LaSalle

French explorer who traveled the Mississippi River and claimed Louisiana for France.

Powhatan

Native American leader in Virginia at the time of Jamestown's founding.

House of Burgesses

The first elected assembly in America, set up in Virginia.

Hernando de Soto

Spanish explorer who traveled through the southeastern U.S. and discovered the Mississippi River.

Why did Spain establish colonies?

To gain wealth, spread Christianity, and expand territory.

Fur Trade

Business of exchanging animal furs, crucial for the economy.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in America, founded in 1607.

Headright System

A way to encourage settlers by giving them land for bringing people to Virginia.

Missionaries

People who spread their religious beliefs to others.

Roanoke

The first English colony in America that disappeared mysteriously.

Royal Colony

A colony directly controlled by the king.

Proprietary Colony

A colony owned by an individual or group with more control over it.

Bacon's Rebellion

A revolt in 1676 by settlers in Virginia against the government, showing class tensions.

Maryland

A colony founded for Catholics, known for religious tolerance.

Georgia

The last of the original thirteen colonies, established as a place for debtors and to protect against Spain.

Puritans

A group that wanted to reform the Church of England and settled in New England for religious freedom.

John Winthrop

Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for his vision of a moral community.

Rhode Island

A colony founded for religious freedom and separation of church and state.

Praying Town

Settlements for Native Americans to learn Christianity and adopt European ways.

New Netherland/New Amsterdam

A Dutch colony known for trade, later taken by the English and renamed New York.

William Penn

Founder of Pennsylvania, who promoted religious freedom and fair treatment of Native Americans.

Quaker

Members of a religious group known for their belief in peace, equality, and social justice.