Names of the 13 Original Colonies: Historical Roster
September 18, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : History
What are the names of the 13 original colonies? Discover the names of the 13 original colonies that played a pivotal role in the formation of the United States.
- 1. What are the names of the 13 original colonies?
- 2. List of the 13 British Colonies in America
- 3. Locations and Characteristics of the 13 Colonies
- 4. Roles of the Original 13 Colonies in the American Revolution
What are the names of the 13 original colonies?
The names of the 13 original American colonies, along with their founding years and key founders or leaders, are as follows:
Virginia (1607):
- Founded at Jamestown in 1607 by the Virginia Company.
- Key Leader: John Smith.
Massachusetts (1620):
- The Plymouth Colony was founded by the Pilgrims in 1620 aboard the Mayflower.
- The Massachusetts Bay Colony, including settlements like Salem and Boston, was established in 1630.
- Key Leader: John Winthrop.
New Hampshire (1623):
- Founded in 1623 by English fishermen and became a royal colony in 1679.
Maryland (1634):
- Founded in 1634 by Lord Baltimore as a haven for Catholics seeking religious freedom.
- Key Leader: Lord Baltimore.
Connecticut (1636):
- Founded in 1636 by Thomas Hooker and others, with settlements in Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield.
Rhode Island (1636):
- Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a place of religious tolerance and separation of church and state.
Delaware (1638):
- The first European settlement in Delaware was established by the Swedes and Finns in 1638. Later, it was taken over by the Dutch and then the English.
North Carolina (1653):
- The first permanent English settlement in North Carolina was established in the 1650s and later became a royal colony.
South Carolina (1670):
- Founded by the English in 1670, primarily for economic reasons.
New York (1664):
- Originally settled by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam but captured by the English in 1664 and renamed New York.
New Jersey (1664):
- Acquired by the English from the Dutch in 1664. Initially divided into East Jersey and West Jersey.
Pennsylvania (1682):
- Founded by William Penn in 1682 as a Quaker colony, known for its religious tolerance.
Georgia (1733):
- Established in 1733 by James Oglethorpe as a haven for debtors and a buffer against Spanish Florida.
These 13 original colonies played a pivotal role in the formation of the United States and its struggle for independence during the American Revolution. They eventually became the first 13 states of the newly formed United States of America.
List of the 13 British Colonies in America
The 13 British colonies in America were:
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts Bay
- Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
Locations and Characteristics of the 13 Colonies
The 13 British colonies can be divided into three main regions:
New England colonies: The New England colonies were located in the northeastern part of North America. They were founded by Puritans and other religious dissenters who were seeking religious freedom. The New England colonies were characterized by a strong emphasis on education and religion.
Middle colonies: The Middle colonies were located in the middle part of North America. They were founded by a variety of European groups, including Dutch, English, and Swedes. The Middle colonies were characterized by a diverse population and a thriving economy.
Southern colonies: The Southern colonies were located in the southeastern part of North America. They were founded by English settlers who were seeking economic opportunity. The Southern colonies were characterized by a plantation economy and a reliance on slave labor.
Roles of the Original 13 Colonies in the American Revolution
The 13 original colonies played a vital role in the American Revolution. They provided the manpower, resources, and leadership necessary to defeat the British.
The New England colonies were particularly important in the early years of the war. They were the source of much of the Continental Army's soldiers and supplies. The Middle colonies provided the Continental Army with financial support and manufactured goods. The Southern colonies provided the Continental Army with food and other supplies.
The 13 original colonies also provided the American Revolution with its leaders. Many of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, came from the original 13 colonies.
The American Revolution was a long and difficult war, but the 13 original colonies ultimately prevailed. Their victory led to the creation of the United States of America, a nation dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality.
