1587 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	15th century – 16th century – 17th century
Decades:	1550s 1560s 1570s – 1580s – 1590s 1600s 1610s
Years:	1584 1585 1586 – 1587 – 1588 1589 1590

The year 1587 was a common year that began on a Thursday. It was a time when many important things happened around the world, especially in Europe. This year saw significant political events and the birth of a very special person in early American history.

Key Events of 1587
- The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Notable Births in 1587
- Virginia Dare, First English Child Born in America
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Key Events of 1587

The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

February 8 – A very sad and important event happened on this day: Mary, Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in England. Mary was the former queen of Scotland and also had a claim to the English throne. She was a cousin of Elizabeth I of England, the ruling queen of England at the time.

Mary had been held captive in England for many years because Queen Elizabeth saw her as a threat. Many people believed Mary should be queen of England instead of Elizabeth. After being accused of plotting against Queen Elizabeth, Mary was found guilty and sentenced to death. Her execution was a major event that shocked many people across Europe.

Notable Births in 1587

Virginia Dare, First English Child Born in America

August 18 – Virginia Dare was born in the Roanoke Colony in what is now North Carolina, USA. She was the very first child of English parents to be born in America. Her parents were Ananias Dare and Eleanor White Dare. Eleanor was the daughter of John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony.

Virginia Dare's birth was a hopeful moment for the English settlers trying to establish a permanent colony in the New World. However, the Roanoke Colony mysteriously disappeared a few years later, and what happened to Virginia and the other colonists remains one of history's great unsolved puzzles.