Between 1620 and 1650, the settlers in the American colonies were primarily English, with some Dutch in New York and French in Canada. In about 1650, thousands of Scots began arriving in the colonies, many as indentured servants who had been captured in the English-Scotish War.
In 1625, King Charles I of England became ruler of the British Isles, following the death of his father, King James VI of Scotland. Although from Scotland, King Charles I has little interest in Scotish affairs and causes discontent.
In 1638, the Protestant religious movement is formed after King Charles I attempts to force Scots into the English Angelican Church. Protests are regarded as treason, and thousands of Scots vow to choose their religion over the King.
In 1639 and 1640, the first and second Bishop Wars are fought, signalling a rise in tensions to an explosive point. In 1642, Civil War errupts all over England, and spreads throughout Scotland. The war is as much a religious war as it is a civil war.
In 1644, the Scots invade England in the Battle of Timermuir. Later that year came the campaign of Marquies of Montrose. In 1645, the Battle of Philiphaugh and the Battle at Auldearn were fought, the former resulting in the defeat of Montrose.
In 1646, King Charles I surrendered to the English rebel and Scottish force. In 1649, King Charles I was executed by beheading and King Charles II came to power as the King of England.
In 1650, Montrose was executed and the English and Scottish clashed at the Battle of Dunbar and the Battle of Ivercarron. In 1651, English General Oliver Cromwell finished off the Scots during the Battle of Iverkeithing and the Battle of Worcester. From 1651-1658, Cromwell ruled the British Isles, and King Charles II was reinstated as the King in 1660.
Scotish Immigrants to the American Colonies
Between 1650 and 1670, thousands of Scots arrived in the colonies. Many were indentured servants, and were required to serve out a term before acquiring freedom. Some were religious clergy, while others were escaping the turmoil and persecution back at home.
Several of our family lines are traced back to Scotish ancestry, arriving along the coast of Massachusetts as well as the Virginia colony.
