100 American Towns Founded Before the American Revolution

Special Report

February 1, 2019 2:58 pm

Last Updated: March 13, 2020 2:40 pm

Source: Doug Kerr / Flickr

41. Greenwich, Connecticut
> Founded: 1665
> Population: 13,429

Settlers from Massachusetts were the first to purchase the patch of land that is now Greenwich, right between the Asamuck and Patomuck rivers.

Source: Peter RIntels / Flickr

42. Lyme, Connecticut
> Founded: 1667
> Population: 2,406

Lyme was named after Lyme Regis in England. The town separated from Saybrook in 1665 and was named Lyme in 1667.

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43. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
> Founded: 1668
> Population: 13,941

Sault Ste. Marie was founded by French settlers and is the oldest city in Michigan.

Source: ovidiuhrubaru / iStock

44. Charleston, South Carolina
> Founded: 1670
> Population: 129,888

King Charles II of England gave the Carolina territory to eight friends who helped restore the monarchy.

Source: Rold_52 / iStock

45. Edgartown, Massachusetts
> Founded: 1671
> Population: 649

Settled by English immigrants Thomas Mayhew Sr. and his son Thomas Jr.

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46. Nantucket, Massachusetts
> Founded: 1671
> Population: 7,830

Nantucket was populated by the Wampanoag Native American tribe until the land was deeded to Thomas Mayhew Sr. and his son Thomas Jr.

Source: Doug Kerr / Flickr

47. Derby, Connecticut
> Founded: 1675
> Population: 12,755

English fur traders were among the first Europeans in the area. Native American tribes such as the Paugassetts and the Pootatucks had inhabited the area long before the English.

Source: benkrut / iStock

48. Peoria, Illinois
> Founded: 1680
> Population: 115,990

French explorers including Robert Cavalier Sieur de LaSalle founded Peoria, Illinois. Peoria is the name of the predominant Native American tribes in the Illinois confederacy.