* France: The French also had a significant presence in North America, starting with the founding of Quebec City in 1608. They established a vast network of forts and trading posts throughout the interior of the continent, including New Orleans (1718) and St. Louis (1764).
* Spain: The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the Americas, and they claimed a vast territory that included much of the present-day United States. They established settlements in Florida, including St. Augustine (1565), and in the Southwest, including Santa Fe (1610).
* Netherlands: The Dutch were another early European power in North America, founding the colony of New Netherland in 1624. New Netherland included the present-day states of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
* Sweden: The Swedish also had a brief presence in North America, establishing the colony of New Sweden in 1638. New Sweden was located in what is now Delaware and Pennsylvania.