Before Europeans came to the hemisphere there were about 80% more indigenous people.
Small pox is a bitch.
By the time we settled the US, it was practically empty.
It was not Columbus’ fault, per se. As Europeans travelled around the globe infections such as this were inevitable.
I have read, that Columbus was somewhat late on the scene.
In general, boats and ships looking for fish and wood, established temporary camps along the routes from Europe to [eventual] New England. C. Columbus took a different route, landing much further to the south.
These camps did not survive, because of the local hostiles, the weather, disease (to-from - between parties) or lack of supplies desparately needed.
The northern route did not favor establishment.
Disease did not favor either route.
Raw materials and resources were much sought. Good, bad, and no deals, in effect.
I get the impression that, the northern route was known to be the more harsh, because of the cold.
The cold could be tough enough, where one is not wanted.
And after a time, including C. Columbus, the southern route’s promise of gold and silver riches, prevailed.
On a trip to the tip of Cape Cod, I was surprised to learn that the Pilgrims landed there, first; and remained there for a while. During which the cutting down of timber, exposed the land to the forces of the weather.
The somewhat thin layer of exposed ground growth, took a pounding from the elements, thus exposing the underlying sands . . . and ruining the local crop prospects.
The Pilgrims then made their way to the famous rock, etc.
Further to the south, the Delaware, Shawnee, and other tribes, took a pounding from the energetic Iroquois League; and the vanquished removed themselves from the east coast.
I wonder at times, just how “empty” some areas were, and why; perhaps more displacement and/or retreat, in some cases.