NEW ENGLAND COLONIES

By John Mecca, Jacob Karnick, Mason Havenstrite, Jack Van Horn

Colonies Included:

The colonies included are: Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode island New Hampshire (which in this time is part

of Massachusetts, until 1680) (Maine is also part of Massachusetts)

Massachusetts

Pilgrims first arrived in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1620.

They came fleeing religious persecution. Puritans settled Massachusetts and were

the main religious group. They required their children to read the bible and attend school.

Connecticut

Founded by Thomas Hooker in 1636 Established for political and economical

reasons Anglican (Puritans) was the main religion.

They had strict laws and even forced people to attend church on Sundays.

Rhode Island

Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 Established as a place for religious

toleration Anglican was again the main religion. People were not persecuted for religious

difference

New Hampshire/Maine

Land grants for Northern Massachusetts was given to Sir Fernando Gorges and Captain John Mason in 1622

Maine was founded by Gorges but remained part of Massachusetts till 1820

New Hampshire was founded by Mason and became independent in 1680

Christianity and Anglican was a major religion at the time.

Geographical Characteristics

Rocky landscape made farming difficult There was a very short growing season However, there were many forests for

lumber

Economic Conditions

Since there was a plethora of trees, Lumber was a very big industry in early New England

Another major industry was fishing along the coast

Trading, subsistence farming, and whaling where also major economic activities