Colonies In The Americas
New England- Middle- Southern Colonies
New England Colonies
Life in the New England colonies was very hard because during the Ice Age the fertile soil was moved to the south. This left a rocky landscape in the north that made farming very difficult. There was even a short growing season. This meant that farmers usually only grew enough crops to feed their own family. The New England colonies benefited however they could with what resources they had such as lumber and cod.
Map
Early New England colonies
The Dock
A glimpse at what an early morning would look like at a colonial new england port
Lumber Yard
Sketch of colonists cutting down trees for lumber
Middle Colonies
Because the climate and land was so fertile and rich, the majority of the people living in these colonies were farmers. Men, women and even children alike worked. Men and boys helped did farming work such as harvesting and cropping while women and girls did house work such as sewing and cooking. This created a huge working class mentality throughout the colonies. Many farmers grew more than what they needed for their families and the extra food and livestock was sold in the big cities.
Map
Basic map of the Middle Colonies
Town Meeting
This painting depicts a town meeting being called upon with residents from the area
Way Of Life
People living in these colonies took advantage of the fertile land and planted a variety of crops including wheat, barley, oats, rye, and corn.
Southern Colonies
The Southern Colonies had many diverse people who led very distinct lives. The rich families in the south could afford to live on plantations. Men were the head of the families and owned all of the property. They usually supervised and plan the work of the slaves and received money for the crops they grew on the plantation. Poor to middle class people, could only afford to grow food to support their families, very few made enough to sell and make profit. Most colonists and back country settlers lived in log houses as well. There were people that didn't farm too and they focused on educating their kids manners, reading, writing, and prayers. Few families could but, some hired a private tutor (most often from Europe) for educating the children of the house.
Map
Basic map of the Southern Colonies
Farming
The first plantations were usually built along a river. the river was used as a highway to transport crops and goods back to the plantation
Schooling
For the people that believed more in education, schools were usually one room were they taught how to write, read, pray and taught basic manners.