Who Were The First Settlers In North America And Where Did They Come From?

If your question is about the pre-colonial era, then I should say that the first settlers in North America were ‘Native Americans’ or ‘Indians’.

27,000 years ago, these people came to the continent from Siberia through the Bering Strait, which was then transformed into a road of hard ice due to the ice age.

But if your question about the colonial era, then I should say that the first settlers of North America were Spaniards and they came here from Spain, Europe.

From the early 16th century, these people massively started migrating to the new continent.

Pre-Colonial Era Settlement – Native Americans or Indians

Duration of migration: Native Americans or Indians came to the continent 27,000 years ago; although, this estimation is still in some controversy.

Origin: Before migrating to the continent, these people lived in the northern part of the world; the place was Siberia (Present-day, part of the Russian Federation). Although, today, Siberia is a super cold place; but back then, it was a little warm (compatible for human survival).

Cause of migration: Because of climate change, the entire Siberian region was lapped up by the ice age. For this reason, the people, who lived here, faced many difficulties. Getting rid out of the environmental problem, they began moving further north in search of a new suitable place for survival.

Entry in North America: Moving further north, they finally entered today’s North America via Bering Strait.  

How they entered via Bering Strait: Siberia and North America’s landmass is separated by a sea, which we know today as the ‘Bering Sea’. 27,000 years ago, because of the ice age, the sea was transformed into a road of hard ice. Those immigrants entered the new continent through the road of the ice age.

Colonial-Era Settlement – European Settlers In North America

Duration of migration: Colonial-era migration can be contained between 1492 to 1776 century. In 1492, a Spanish explorer and navigator, named Christopher Columbus discovered the new continent by mistake. His discovery was spread like fire throughout Europe.

Origin: First Spanish settlers came here and then one by one British, Germans, French, Scottish, Irish, Italians, Portuguese, Dutch, Russians, etc. However, during this period of time, Europeans also brought African Black people for slavery. Europeans belonged to the Caucasian race.

Cause of migration: Establishing colonies for their mother country was the first purpose of this migration to North America. Apart from this, the European settlers were unhappy with Europe’s monarchial and feudal system. They hoped for a much better life in the new world.