American colonies new england

The New England colonies were a group of British colonies located in the northeastern region of North America, specifically in the area now known as New England. The colonies were established in the early 17th century and were characterized by their Puritan values, agricultural economy, and close-knit communities.

Here are the six original New England colonies:

1. Massachusetts Bay Colony (1629): Founded by John Winthrop and a group of Puritan settlers, Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first of the New England colonies. The colony was established in present-day Massachusetts and was known for its strict Puritan laws and social norms.
2. New Hampshire (1623): Founded by John Mason and Captain John Smith, New Hampshire was initially a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but became a separate colony in 1679. The colony was known for its rugged terrain and harsh winters.
3. Connecticut (1636): Founded by Thomas Hooker and a group of Puritan settlers, Connecticut was initially a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but became a separate colony in 1662. The colony was known for its fertile soil and thriving agricultural economy.
4. Rhode Island (1636): Founded by Roger Williams and a group of Baptist settlers, Rhode Island was initially a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but became a separate colony in 1663. The colony was known for its tolerant attitude towards religious diversity and its role as a haven for Quakers and other persecuted groups.
5. New Haven Colony (1638): Founded by Theophilus Eaton and a group of Puritan settlers, New Haven Colony was initially a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but became a separate colony in 1662. The colony was known for its strict Puritan laws and its role as a center of education and culture.
6. Maine (1622): Founded by Sir Ferdinando Gorges and a group of English settlers, Maine was initially a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but became a separate colony in 1679. The colony was known for its rugged terrain and harsh winters.

The New England colonies were characterized by their:

• Puritan values: The colonies were established by Puritan settlers who sought to create a community based on their religious beliefs and values.
• Agricultural economy: The colonies were primarily agricultural, with settlers farming the land and trading with other colonies.
• Close-knit communities: The colonies were small and close-knit, with settlers often living in small towns and villages.
• Harsh winters: The New England colonies were known for their harsh winters, which made life difficult for settlers.
• Trade and commerce: The colonies were involved in trade and commerce with other colonies and with England, with goods such as furs, fish, and lumber being exported.

Some notable events and figures in the history of the New England colonies include:

• The Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693): A series of trials and executions of people accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.
• King Philip's War (1675-1678): A war fought between the English colonists and Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag and the Narragansett.
• Roger Williams: A Baptist minister who founded Rhode Island and was known for his tolerant attitude towards religious diversity.
• John Winthrop: A Puritan leader who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony and served as its governor.
• Anne Hutchinson: A Puritan leader who was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for her religious beliefs and founded the colony of Rhode Island.

Overall, the New England colonies played an important role in the history of the United States, with their Puritan values, agricultural economy, and close-knit communities shaping the development of the country.