Category: Pre-Colonial Era

Captain John Smith Landing on the New England Coast, Illustration published in The American Magazine, Volume 45, circa 1898

Captain John Smith Timeline

Captain John Smith was an English explorer who helped settle the colony of Jamestown and also explored New England in 1614 with plans to colonize the region. He lived a… Read more »

Massachusetts is rich with historic sites. These sites include historic locations, places, buildings, landmarks and towns. Thankfully these sites have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. Many of them… Read more »

Massachusetts History Timeline

Massachusetts is a state rich in history. Its geological history dates back millions of years while its native population has lived in the area for over 10,000 years. Explorers, fishermen… Read more »

Early Indian Tribes, Culture Areas, and Linguistic Stocks map, William C. Sturtevant, Smithsonian Institute, 1967

Native American Tribes in Massachusetts

Indigenous people have lived in Massachusetts for 12,000 years. The first known inhabitants of Massachusetts were Paleoindians who moved into New England just as the glaciers were retreating at the… Read more »

Map of New England by Captain John Smith circa 1616

Massachusetts Explorers

Many people visited Massachusetts prior to colonization. Most of these people were traders and fishermen looking to harvest valuable resources like fish, whales and furs while others were explorers looking… Read more »