Colonial America: Key States, Regions, and Economies

Massachusetts (Plymouth & Massachusetts Bay)

Plymouth founded 1620 by Pilgrims (Mayflower); Squanto helped them survive harsh winters; Massachusetts Bay: Puritan colony led by John Winthrop ("City on a Hill"); Religious devotion, strict Puritan rules; Roger Williams exiled (later founded Rhode Island)

New Hampshire

Part of New England colonies; Coastal settlement, relied on fishing, lumber, and trade; Harsh winters, seasonal farming; Less religious control compared to Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Founded 1636 by Roger Williams (after exile from Puritans); Offered religious freedom; Economy tied to slavery and trade; Became a haven for dissenters

New York

Originally Dutch (New Netherland, 1609); English took over peacefully in 1664; renamed New York; Duke of York (James) given the land; Major trade center, Hudson River exploration

New Jersey

Split by Duke of York for friends (East & West Jersey); Known for religious tolerance; Major crop: wheat; Diverse farming and trade economy

Pennsylvania

Founded 1681 by William Penn (Quaker); Granted by King Charles (debt owed to Penn's father); Religious tolerance, Quaker principles; Positive relations with Natives (land purchases); Fertile farmland, grain production

Delaware

Originally part of Pennsylvania before separating; Known for coastal trade and farming; Small colony, but important access to the Atlantic

Virginia

Founded 1607 (Jamestown); Led by Captain John Smith; Economy: tobacco cash crop; House of Burgesses (1619) = first elected assembly in colonies

Maryland

Founded 1634 by George Calvert (Lord Baltimore); Safe haven for Catholics; Economy based on tobacco; Religious Toleration Act of 1649 (first law on religious freedom)

North Carolina

Originally part of Carolina colony; Split into North/South due to size and differences; Economy: tobacco, lumber, small farms; Independent streak, frequent calls for autonomy

South Carolina

Originally part of Carolina colony; Large plantations with rice, indigo, cotton; Heavy reliance on enslaved labor; Wealthier than North Carolina

Georgia

Founded as a buffer colony between British colonies and Spanish Florida; Cotton-producing colony; Last of the 13 colonies; Provided land for debtors and poor settlers; Strong ties to Britain for trade

New England Colonies

Colonies: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Bay; Cold winters, short growing season; Economy: fishing, shipbuilding, small farms, trade; Religion-driven (Puritans, dissenters like Roger Williams); Town meetings & community focus

Middle Colonies

Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware; Fertile soil, good for grains (corn, wheat) → "Breadbasket"; Religious and cultural diversity; Large farms and trade economy; Beaver fur trade important

Southern Colonies

Colonies: Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia; Long growing season, fertile soil; Cash crops: tobacco, rice, cotton; Large plantations, reliance on slavery and indentured servitude; Wealth concentrated among planters