1600s
The English settle the eastern seaboard from Maine to Georgia; they are joined by smaller communities of Scots, French, Dutch, Spanish, Germans, and Swedes.

1607
England establishes the first permanent European settlement in the future United States at Jamestown, Virginia.

1700s Large numbers of English, Scots, and Scotch Irish immigrants settle in America; fewer immigrants come from other European countries.

1776
The United States declares its independence from Great Britain.

1795
Congress passes the Naturalization Act, which requires a five- year residence in the United States and the renunciation of all former allegiances for citizenship.

1818
Regular sailing services between New York and Liverpool, England, begin; many emigrants from England, Ireland, and Germany embark from Liverpool.

1820
The United States begins recording the number and original country of residence of new immigrants.

1820–1860s
The first great wave of immigration to the United States begins. Most immigrants come from Ireland, Germany, or...