Settling New England

The Puritans founded Plymouth in order to practice their own brand of Protestantism without interference from England.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in the 17th century, included parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Rhode Island was formed as an English colony by Roger Williams and others fleeing prosecution from Puritans.

Early New England Puritan society was characterized by yeoman farming communities and a growing merchant class.

Unlike most of the Chesapeake or southern colonies which were established to make a profit, New England colonies were largely established for religious reasons.