Colonial America. The Thirteen Colonies

Colonial America. The Thirteen Colonies

What is a colony?

A colony is a region of land that is under the political control of another country. Usually the controlling country is physically far away from the colony, as was the case with England and the American colonies. Colonies are typically founded and settled by people from the home country, however, there may also be settlers from other countries. This was especially true of the American colonies which had settlers from all over Europe.

The United States was formed from thirteen British colonies in 1776. Many of these colonies had been around for well over 100 years including the first colony of Virginia which was founded in 1607.

Here is a list of the thirteen colonies with the year they were founded in and a note on how they were founded:

· Virginia (1607) - John Smith and the London Company.

· New York (1626) - Originally founded by the Dutch. Became a British colony in 1664.

· New Hampshire (1623) - John Mason was the first land holder. Later John Wheelwright.

· Massachusetts Bay (1630) - Puritans looking for religious freedom.

· Maryland (1633) - George and Cecil Calvert as a safe haven for Catholics.

· Connecticut (1636) - Thomas Hooker after he was told to leave Massachusetts.

· Rhode Island (1636) - Roger Williams to have a place of religious freedom for all.

· Delaware (1638) - Peter Minuit and the New Sweden Company. British took over in 1664.

· North Carolina (1663) - Originally part of the Province of Carolina. Split off from South Carolina in 1712.

· South Carolina (1663) - Originally part of the Province of Carolina. Split off from North Carolina in 1712.

· New Jersey (1664) - First settled by the Dutch, the English took over in 1664.

· Pennsylvania (1681) - William Penn and the Quakers.

· Georgia (1732) - James Oglethorpe as a settlement for debtors.

12 3 Следующая ⇒