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Today in History: Bartholomew Gosnold lands on Cape Cod, Massachusetts

5/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 15, 1602, English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold arrived at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, marking the first recorded European expedition to the area. He played a crucial role in founding the Virginia Company and Jamestown, significantly influencing the colonization of Virginia. Gosnold's naming of Cape Cod established one of the earliest English place-names in the U.S.

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Story summary

On May 15, 1602, English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold arrived at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, marking the first recorded European expedition to the area. He played a crucial role in founding the Virginia Company and Jamestown, significantly influencing the colonization of Virginia. Gosnold's naming of Cape Cod established one of the earliest English place-names in the U.S.