The Founding of the 13 Colonies | History

Summary

The story of the U.S. begins with 13 colonies, each founded by different groups, from the wealthy Virginia settlers to the pilgrims of Massachusetts. The Dutch settled New York, while Maryland became a home to various religious groups. Colonies like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Delaware followed, along with North and South Carolina. Pennsylvania was granted to William Penn, and Georgia was established as a penal colony. Over time, the British empire expanded, and despite internal challenges, the 13 colonies eventually united to form the United States, with Spain holding Florida until 1821.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States began as 13 small colonies, not 50 states as it is today.
• 😀 Virginia was the first permanent American colony, established by 104 British colonists in 1607.
• 😀 Massachusetts was founded by Pilgrims in 1620 after they sailed the Mayflower to Plymouth.
• 😀 New York was founded by the Dutch in 1624 and was originally called New Amsterdam.
• 😀 Maryland was established in 1634 as a colony for a mix of religious groups, including Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics.
• 😀 Connecticut was founded in 1636 by Puritans who left Massachusetts to establish a new colony in Hartford.
• 😀 Rhode Island, originally called Red Island by the Dutch, was established shortly after Connecticut.
• 😀 Delaware and New Hampshire were part of Maryland and Massachusetts at various times before becoming separate colonies.
• 😀 North Carolina was established by Virginian colonists, and South Carolina followed ten years later, initially as one colony until 1712.
• 😀 Georgia was founded in 1732 as a penal colony and buffer zone between the British colonies and Spanish Florida.
• 😀 Florida remained under Spanish control until 1821, 45 years after the original 13 colonies formed the United States.

Q & A

What was the first permanent American colony?

The first permanent American colony was established in Virginia, where 104 British colonists settled at Jamestown.

Who established the colony of Massachusetts?

Massachusetts was established by the Pilgrims who sailed the Mayflower to Plymouth.

What was New York originally called?

New York was originally called New Amsterdam when it was founded by the Dutch.

Why was Maryland significant in terms of its settlers?

Maryland became home to various religious groups, including Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics, who didn't always get along.

What motivated the founding of Connecticut?

Connecticut was founded when 100 Puritans left Massachusetts to establish a new colony in Hartford.

What was Rhode Island’s original name?

Rhode Island was originally called Red Island by the Dutch.

How were New Hampshire and Delaware connected to other colonies?

New Hampshire and Delaware were part of Maryland and Massachusetts at various points in history.

When was Pennsylvania granted to William Penn, and why?

Pennsylvania was granted to William Penn in 1681 as repayment for a debt owed by the British King to Penn's father.

What was the purpose of establishing Georgia as a colony?

Georgia was established as a penal colony for English debtors and as a buffer zone between the British colonies and Spanish-controlled Florida.

When did Spain give up control of Florida?

Spain held Florida until 1821, which was 45 years after the original 13 colonies became the United States of America.