Massachusetts Bay Colony
Come one, Come all
European Roots
Our forefathers came to this great colony from Great Britain in search of religious freedom. They sailed on the Mayflower and arrived in Plymouth. Soon after, A group of Puritans settled nearby in Salem. This great colony has since attracted many others in search of a better, more prosperous life.
This picture shows our strategic location on the coast that allows us to import everything we need and export what we grow to help fortify our economy. Our location has been essential to the economic development of our community.
Religion
Different settlements in our colony have different views on religion. In Plymouth, colonists are free to practice any beliefs they hold. In Salem, however, there is a strict Puritan community that tolerates only its own. No matter your religious preferences, we have a place for you in our colony.
Massachusetts Bay Colony Charter
Our government was first set up similar to a business, but we found that our needs did not always fit well into this model similar to a corporation. The charter has since been revised and we now have a governor, a deputy governor, a bicameral legislature, and a body of freemen.
Fish
As a main export of our colony, fish helped to solidify our economic standing in the early years of our establishment.
Timber
Our colony also exported a great deal of timber to Great Britain when they were in need of ship masts after conflicts with the Dutch.
Native Americans
This map shows the distribution of the different Native American tribes throughout our colony.
Witch Free Since '93
In late 1692, our colony underwent a tragic, yet necessary trial. We discovered that Satan had infiltrated our society and was tempting our citizens to stray from God's path and follow him into misery. However, by May 1693, we successfully eradicated Satan's servants and once again became a peaceful colony.
Key Figures
Captain John Smith
Captain John Smith established Plymouth which was the first settlement that became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Cotton Mather
Cotton Mather was an author particularly well known for writing a book that increased the fear of the presence of witches.
King James II
King James II was the one who made the charter that brought many settlements together to become the Massachusetts Bay Colony.