The first Europeans 4

The first Europeans to arrive in North America were the Norse, or Vikings, who traveled west from Greenland. Erik the Red founded a settlement around the year 985, and in 1001, his son Leif is believed to have explored northeastern Canada, spending at least one winter there. Evidence of Norse settlement was later found at L’Anse-aux-Meadows in Newfoundland.

In 1497, just five years after Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean, Venetian sailor John Cabot arrived in Newfoundland on behalf of the British king. Cabot's journey laid the groundwork for British claims to North America and opened access to rich fishing grounds, particularly for Portuguese fishermen.

Columbus himself did not see the future United States' mainland, but Spanish exploration began from territories he helped establish. Juan Ponce de León landed on the Florida coast in 1513, and Hernando De Soto explored the southeastern United States for riches starting in 1539.

Meanwhile, France's Giovanni da Verrazano and Jacques Cartier explored North America, with Cartier’s voyages forming the basis for French claims that endured until 1763.

Finally, as interest in the New World grew due to the wealth from Spanish colonies, British attempts to colonize North America began. Humphrey Gilbert received a patent from Queen Elizabeth in 1578 to colonize unclaimed lands in the New World. His efforts were succeeded by Walter Raleigh, who established the first British colony, Roanoke Island, in 1585. Ultimately, the first successful British colony was founded at Jamestown in 1607, marking the beginning of a new era in North American colonization.