
1607–1763
Colonial America
European colonies expanded across North America, developing distinct economies, communities, and political traditions.
Defining Moments
Key Historical Events

1621
First Thanksgiving at Plymouth
Colonial America
Plymouth colonists and about ninety Wampanoag men participated in a three-day 1621 harvest gathering whose later transformation into a national origin story often obscured Wampanoag diplomacy and experience.
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1718
Founding of New Orleans
Colonial America
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans in 1718 at a strategic Mississippi River site long used by Indigenous peoples, establishing a colonial port that became central to the Gulf South.
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Explore Destinations From This Era

Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center
Robeline, LA
A tribal cultural center and museum in the Adai Caddo homeland where visitors can learn about the community's enduring history, traditions, artifacts, and ceremonial life.
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Alden House Historic Site
Duxbury, MA
A National Historic Landmark in Duxbury preserving the Alden family homestead, archaeological remains, and the legacy of Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Alden.
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American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Yorktown, VA
A museum and living-history site in Yorktown exploring the American Revolution through artifacts, immersive galleries, films, a Continental Army camp, and an 18th-century farm.
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Atwood Museum
Chatham, MA
A preserved 1752 sea captain’s home and expanded museum campus interpreting centuries of Chatham and Cape Cod history.
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Bloody Marsh Unit
St. Simons Island, GA
A compact battlefield overlook marking the 1742 clash that helped end Spain's attempt to seize the British colony of Georgia.
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Cannonball House Maritime Museum
Lewes, DE
An 18th-century Lewes landmark scarred by the War of 1812 bombardment and now devoted to the town's maritime heritage.
View DetailsAbout This Era
European colonies expanded across North America, developing distinct economies, communities, and political traditions.
Last updated August 2, 2026
Road Trips in this Era

Forts and Frontiers: Georgia's Colonial Coast
Follow Britain's contested Georgia frontier from an early Darien outpost through Frederica and Bloody Marsh to colonial settlement and Revolutionary defenses near Savannah.
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Lewes & the Coast: Settlement, War, and Maritime Rescue
Explore Delaware's coastal history from Dutch settlement and colonial port life through the War of 1812 and the lifesaving crews who patrolled a dangerous shoreline.
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Revolutionary Boston: From Protest to Independence
Walk through the meeting halls, streets, waterfront, and battle landscape where Boston’s resistance to British rule became revolution.
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The First State: From Independence to Ratification
Follow Delaware's path from colonial independence to statehood through its first capitol, a founding-era plantation, and Dover's historic seat of government.
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