13 Colonies

Objective To learn the history of the 13 Colonies.

Massachusetts - New England Colonies 1620- Plymouth settled by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom Mayflower Compact signed before people left ship; people agreed to follow laws made by group Puritans not only governed church, but state too People required by law to attend church Later, Pilgrims elected a representative assembly to make laws. Shipping and trade were foundation of economy.

Rhode Island – N. E. Colonies Roger Williams: 1636, banished from Massachusetts because disagreed with Puritan Ministers, founded state. Allowed religious freedom for all people. Shipbuilders, traders, fishermen, dairy farmers important to economy. It had a representative assembly.

New Hampshire – N.E. Colonies 1639, settled by Puritans ministers, who were unhappy with Massachusetts ministers. Allowed much more freedom of religion than Massachusetts. Fishing and timber were cash crops. Had royal governor, but local control on local issues. Capital: Concord.

Connecticut – N. E. Colonies 1639, settles by people dissatisfied with Puritan ministers in Massachusetts. More religious freedom than Massachusetts. Economy based on shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling. First written constitution, forming government based on consent of the people.

New York – Middle Colonies 1600s, settled by Dutch; called New Netherlands. 1664, Duke of York took from Dutch. New Amsterdam, one of Dutch settlements, later became New York City. Eventually had colonial assembly, made laws for colony. Farming basis of economy; corn, wheat, vegetables and tobacco. Colony had religious freedom.

Pennsylvania – Middle Colonies 1681, William Penn settled with Society of Friends (Quakers.) Allowed religious freedom to all. 1682, Philadelphia became city. Had representative assembly; allowed people to have say in government. Farming and trade basis of economy; wheat, corn, vegetables; raised dairy cattle; tradesmen (cobblers, silversmiths, and blacksmiths.)

New Jersey – Middle Colonies 1664, Duke of York gave to Sir George Carteret, governor of Isle of Jersey. Everyone was allowed religious freedom Farming wheat, corn and vegetables important to economy. Had a representative assembly. Capital: Trenton

Delaware – Middle Colonies 1631, settled by Swedish people, called New Sweden Taken over by English Offered freedom of religion Had local self-government Farming important part of economy. First state to ratify (approve) Constitution; became state in 1787 Capital: Dover

Virginia – Southern Colonies 1607, settled by Great Britain; colonists looked for gold/other economic resources. 1619, started import Africans to work on tobacco plantations. Church of England was official religion; required to attend church. Warm humid climate good for growing tobacco. Idea of self-government started with council; made laws for settlement. Colonists formed a colony at Jamestown where Captain John Smith met Pocahontas. State recommended Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution.

Maryland – Southern Colonies 1632, charter granted to Lord Baltimore as refuge for Catholics; Allowed religious freedom to everyone. Farming basis of economy; raising corn, wheat, vegetables, fruit trees, and tobacco. Colonists generally allowed to govern themselves.

North Carolina/South Carolina – Southern Colonies 1690, large tracts of land given to eight Lords, friends of King Charles II. Established as an investment. Offered religious freedom to all. Warm humid climate good for growing tobacco, cotton, rice and indigo. Real governing power retained by England until later, when they given some local control over government.

Georgia – Southern Colonies 1732, established by James Oglethorpe, wanted to create colony for debtors and poor, make a fresh start. Religious freedom for all. Had assembly to help make laws. Warm humid climate good for growing tobacco, cotton, rice and indigo. English hoped would be a buffer against Spanish and French intrusion from South. Capital: Atlanta