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History Timeline

1587 - John White Colony

John White establishes a colony on Roanoke Island on July 22, 1587. It is there on August 18th that Virginia Dare, daughter of Ananias and Eleanor White Dare is born. She is the first child born to English parents America. Sadly, John White returns to England for more provisions, but England is at war with Spain, and it is not until 1590 that he returns to Roanoke Island. There is no sign of the 110 settlers, including Virginia Dare. The Lost Colony becomes one of the greatest mysteries in American history.

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1750 - Hardship for Natives

Some settlers are afraid of the Indians, who look different and practice unfamiliar customs. Some Indians resent their new neighbors, who have invaded their tribal hunting lands. As a result of frequent battles with other tribes and with settlers, the number of Indians drops dramatically. Diseases brought by the colonists, such as smallpox, chicken pox, measles and yellow fever cause the deaths of many more Native Americans.

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1774 - Will of the People

September 5, 1774 - Delegates from the all 13 colonies (except Georgia) and Canada travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They form the First Continental Congress, and plan how they will respond to the Intolerable Acts. Still hoping to restore harmony with Britain, they send a petition to King George III.

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1609 - In Search of Land

Virginia settlers push their way southward into the Nansemond River Valley and Albemarle Sound region thus opening the doors for settlement in the colony known as Carolana.

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1771 - First College

Queens College opens to train young men who will become ministers. But there will be problems when King George III refuses to grant the charter which will approve the school's operation. Later, the school's name will change to Queens Museum and will be followed by Liberty Hall.

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1775 - Mecklenburg Resolves

May 31, 1775 - Since all laws imposed by England are suspended, the 27 signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence hurriedly meet again. They draft the Mecklenburg Resolves, which are new laws that will govern the now independent Mecklenburgers. Even those who doubt the existence of the Meck Dec cannot deny the Mecklenburg Resolves.

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1670 - Inland Explorations

English explorer James Lederer encounters the Catawba Indian tribe in Mecklenburg County.

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1755 - Founding a New City

Thomas Spratt and his family are believed to be the first settlers to drive a wagon through the rough backcountry of North Carolina. Between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers, they cross an Indian trading path. With them is Thomas Polk, who builds his home where these two roads meet. One day, this crossroads will be known as the Square. It will become the center of modern downtown Charlotte, and the streets will be known as Trade and Tryon.

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1775 - Captain Jack's Ride

June 3, 1775 - Captain James Jack arrives in Philadelphia. He has traveled from Charlotte to inform the Second Continental Congress of the Mecklenburgers' proclamation of freedom. But he never presents the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress. Some believe he realized the Meck Dec was worded so angrily that it would hurt chances of regaining peace with Britain.

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1706 - First North Carolina Town

Bath becomes the first incorporated town in North Carolina.

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