The New Colonies
by Meredith Henry
Connecticut
The name of the colony in Connecticut was Hartford. Thomas Hooker founded the colony of Hartford in 1636. Later other cities developed, and they became the colony of Connecticut in 1639. The soil is rich and better for farming than the rocky soil around Boston. In 1639 Connecticut adopted a plan of government called the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. This document described the organization and representative government, and reflected a belief in democratic principles.
Rhode Isand
Roger Williams founded the colony of Rhode Island. William felt it was important that people shouldn't be forced into a certain religion. It was the first place in America where people could worship freely. The soil here was also rich and good for farming, unlike the soil in Boston.
New Hampshire
In 1638 John Wheelwright founded the colony of New Hampshire. New Hampshire also let people worship freely, much like Rhode Island.
Massachusetts
In 1629 Puritans formed the colony of Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Winthrop then became the colony's governor. During the 1630's about 15,000 Puritans joined the colony to get away from religious persecution.
Geography
The soil was rich for farming in this area, unlike the Boston soil which was rocky. All of these colonies are in what is now the north eastern part of America.