Principal Colonial Regions of North America: New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southern

The Three Main Colonial Regions

New England

• Region: Northern coast of North America
• Colonies: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
• Characteristics: Strong religious/moral values; economy based on fishing, shipbuilding, timber

Mid-Atlantic

• Region: Between New England and Southern colonies
• Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware
• Characteristics: Diverse population; trade, agriculture, religious freedom

Southern

• Region: Southeastern coast
• Colonies: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
• Characteristics: Tobacco and cotton plantations; slavery; cash-crop economy

These regional distinctions shaped early American development and continue to influence cultural and economic patterns today.