First Colonies in North America

The first Europeans to establish colonies in North America were the Spanish. In 1526 a Spaniard Called Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon attempted to found a colony in California. (He also brought the first black slaves to North America). However, the attempt failed. Many Spaniard died of diseases and the survivors abandoned the colony.

In 1565 Pedo Menendez de Aviles founded a settlement at St Augustine, Florida, the first permanent European settlement in what is now the USA.

The first English attempt to colonize North America was made by a man named Sir Humphrey Gilbert. In 1578 Queen Elizabeth granted him permission to establish a colony there. In 1583 Gilbert sailed with a small fleet of ships to Newfoundland. However, Gilbert soon abandoned the venture. Gilbert was lost on the voyage home.

However, his half brother, Walter Raleigh made another attempt to found a colony. In 1584 he sent two ships to explore the coast. They found what they thought was a suitable place for a colony. In January 1585 Queen Elizbeth the "Virgin Queen" allowed him to call the place Virginia, after her. In April 1985 an expedition was sent led by Richard Grenville. They arrived in July 1585. Grenville left men on Roanoke Island then left for England to obtain more men and supplies. However, while he was gone the colonist ran very  short of supplies. In 1586 the colonists abandoned Virginia and returned to  England.

In 1587 another attempt to found a colony was made by a man named John White. He led an expedition of  men,women and children to Virginia. However, White returned to England to seek more support for the colony. Because of the a war between England and Spain he was unable to return to  Virginia until 1590. When he did he found the colony deserted. The fate of the colonists is unknown.