A journey through time

Native peoples build communities, govern, trade, and care for the land long before European colonies. Their histories continue today.

Wonder: Why should a timeline of Massachusetts begin before European arrival?

John Smith explores the coast in 1614. His account and map appear in 1616. The map represents a European perspective on already inhabited places.

Wonder: What might a map leave out?

The Mayflower arrives. Colonists sign the Compact and establish Plymouth at Patuxet, a Wampanoag place.

Wonder: Whose voices were included in the Compact? Whose were missing?

Ousamequin and Plymouth leaders make an agreement. Wampanoag and English people take part in a harvest gathering later that year.

Wonder: Why does one peaceful event not explain a whole relationship?

John Winthrop and a large group of Puritan settlers arrive. Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth are separate colonies at this time.

Wonder: How were the two colonies similar and different?

War devastates much of southern New England. Native peoples face enormous loss of life, land, and freedom. Fighting continues longer in parts of northern New England.

Wonder: How can we study difficult history respectfully?

British soldiers fire into a crowd. Five people die, including Crispus Attucks. Paul Revere’s print spreads a Patriot account; John Adams later defends the soldiers in court.

Wonder: How could a picture influence what people believed?

Protesters destroy tea in Boston Harbor. Some disguise themselves as Native people. The protest challenges British authority and the tax on tea.

Wonder: Why might a protest lead to a government response?

Parliament passes laws colonists call the Intolerable Acts. Boston’s port closes. Delegates from twelve colonies meet at the First Continental Congress.

Wonder: How did punishment help bring colonies together?

On April 19, fighting at Lexington and Concord begins the war. Riders help spread warnings. The Battle of Bunker Hill follows on June 17.

Wonder: How is this different from the earlier protests?

The Declaration announces separation from Britain and sets out ideas about rights and government. Those ideals are not equally applied to everyone.

Wonder: What is the difference between a promise and a reality?

Massachusetts adopts a plan for its state government. John Adams is its principal author. It remains in use, with amendments.

Wonder: Why might people need to change a constitution?

Delegates draft the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The first ten amendments, called the Bill of Rights, are ratified in 1791.

Wonder: How does a right differ from a responsibility?

Massachusetts communities continue to change. Native nations continue their governments and cultural life. We can ask questions, use evidence, and help our communities.

Wonder: What would you add to a timeline of your own community?