During these fifty years settlements developed all along the coast from Massachusetts to Carolina. Some settlers moved inland along streams and rivers but dangers from disease, Indians, and wild animals, restricted expansion. In 1670, because of the superior deep water port, Charles II issued a Grant for Charleston (South Carolina) and after 1700 growth rates in that area surpassed others.

In 1651 Massachusetts enacted a sumptuary law dictating what clothing citizens must wear and Britain passed the Navigation Act which required English ships and English crews for all imports to the colonies.

In 1653 Oliver Cromwell became ruler of England and, supported by his Council of Officers, adopted the Commonwealth Instrument of Government. Also in 1653 the Iroquois Indians defeated the Erie Nation extending the Iroquois influence into o-he-you (Ohio).

Chronology of other events:

• 1657 John Washington, father of George, jumped ship in Virginia and began to accumulate land.
• 1661 The Virginia Fornication Laws were enacted. "For restraint of the filthy sin of fornication."
• 1662 Charter of Connecticut granted April 23.
• 1663 Charter of Carolina granted March 24.
• 1663 Charter of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations -- July 8.
• 1663 John Eliot translates Bible into an Indian tongue.
• 1666 Description of the Province of Carolina published to entice English people to migrate to the colony.
• 1669 Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, explores Ohio River valley.
• 1670 Grant from Charles II leads to settlement of Charleston, SC.
• 1673 Marquette and Joliet explore northern parts of Mississippi valley.
• 1675 "King Philip's War" begins retaliatory Indian war against white invaders.
• 1676 Bacon's Rebellion wages vigilante war in Virginia.
• 1676 "Day of Thanksgiving", first formal declaration, June 20, Charlestown, MA.
• 1679 New Hampshire settlements proclaimed a royal colony.
• 1681 Province of Pennsylvania (Penn's Woods) chartered February 28.
• 1682 William Penn arrives in America, first look at Penn's Woods.
• 1682 Penn publishes Frame of Government. Philadelphia founded.
• 1682 LaSalle explores Mississippi River, claims river valley for France.
• 1684 Charles II annuls 1629 charter of Massachusetts colony.
• 1684 A patent is granted for the thimble.
• 1685 Louis XIV cancels Edict of Nantes (religious freedoms), thousands flee to the colonies.
• 1689 Bill of Rights enacted by English Parliament. Provides religious freedom.
• 1692 Witch hunt in Salem, Massachusetts. 19 women burned at the stake.