The 13 Colonies were British settlements on the Atlantic coast of North America that later became the first 13 states of the United States of America. These colonies were established between 1607 and 1733 and declared independence from Great Britain in 1776
. The 13 Colonies are:
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
They are traditionally grouped into three regions: New England Colonies:
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
These colonies had small farms and economies based on fishing, shipbuilding,
and small industry. Middle Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware
These had medium-sized farms and diverse populations with various cultures and
religions. Southern Colonies: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia
These colonies featured large plantations growing tobacco and later cotton,
initially worked by indentured servants and later by enslaved people
. The colonies were founded for various reasons including economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political control. Virginia was the first colony established in 1607 at Jamestown, and Georgia was the last, founded in 1733
. The 13 Colonies shared similar political and legal systems under British rule but developed a strong sense of local self-governance. Conflicts with Britain over taxation and representation led to the American Revolution, after which the colonies united to form the United States
. In summary, the 13 Colonies were the original British settlements along the eastern coast of North America that united to form the United States of America after declaring independence in 1776
