The Six New England States: Farthest North & East in the U.S.

The **New England region** comprises the **six northeasternmost states**—geographically, historically, and culturally distinct.

The Six (North to South)

1. Maine – Northernmost, easternmost (West Quoddy Head = easternmost US point).
2. New Hampshire – White Mountains, first-in-nation primary, "Live Free or Die."
3. Vermont – Green Mountains, maple syrup, independent republic (1777–1791).
4. Massachusetts – Boston, Plymouth, Revolution cradle, tech/biotech/ed hub.
5. Rhode Island – Smallest state, longest official name ("State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" until 2020), maritime heritage.
6. Connecticut – Southernmost, insurance/finance capital, Yale, coastal Long Island Sound.

Shared Traits

• Town Meeting direct democracy (still in 200+ towns).
• Education First: Harvard (1636), Yale (1701), Dartmouth (1769), Brown (1764) – 4 Ivies.
• Maritime & Industrial Legacy: Whaling, textiles, machine tools, submarines (Groton), defense tech.
• Political Lean: Consistently Democratic in presidential elections since 1992 (except NH swing).
• Distinct Seasons: Brilliant autumn foliage, snowy winters, mild summers.

What's NOT New England

• New York (border, different colonial root – New Netherland).
• Pennsylvania, New Jersey – Mid-Atlantic.

**Six states, one regional identity**—forged by Puritan roots, rocky soil, town governance, and the Atlantic.