Massachusetts Colony

Massachusetts Colony

Plymouth Colony and the Mayflower Compact

The story of colonial Massachusetts began in 1620, when the Pilgrims arrived from England aboard the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony. Although the settlers suffered terribly from disease, hunger, and the harsh New England winter, they created the Mayflower Compact, an agreement that established rules for local government and cooperation within the colony. Local Wampanoag people, including leaders associated with Chief Massasoit, helped the settlers learn how to survive in their new environment and grow food. About half of the original Mayflower passengers survived the first winter. In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag participated in a harvest celebration that later became associated with the story of the first Thanksgiving.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony

In 1629, Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony, with Boston becoming its most important town. The colony grew rapidly and soon became a major economic, political, and religious center of New England. Unlike the Pilgrims, who had separated from the Church of England, the Puritans hoped to reform or "purify" the church according to their religious beliefs.

Religious Intolerance and New Colonies

Although the Puritans came to America seeking the ability to build a community based on their own religious beliefs, they did not generally support religious freedom for people who disagreed with them. Religious dissenters could be punished, banished, or forced to leave Massachusetts. Roger Williams, who challenged Puritan leaders on questions of religion and government, left Massachusetts and helped establish Rhode Island. Thomas Hooker later led settlers into the Connecticut River Valley and helped establish the Connecticut Colony.

13 Colonies Navigation

• Massachusetts Bay Colony
• New Hampshire Colony
• Connecticut Colony
• Rhode Island Colony
• New York Colony
• New Jersey Colony
• Pennsylvania Colony
• Delaware Colony
• Maryland Colony
• Virginia Colony
• North Carolina Colony
• South Carolina Colony
• Georgia Colony

Other 13 Colonies Articles

• Lost Colony at Roanoke
• Popham Colony
• Plymouth Colony
• Establishment of the House of Burgesses
• Life in Puritan Massachusetts
• Who Were the Quakers?
• Tobacco in the Southern Colonies
• History of Cotton
• Indigo in the South Carolina Colony
• Highlights of a Colonial Town: Williamsburg
• King Philip's War