The New England Colonies in 1730: A Historical Snapshot

By 1730, the New England region was firmly established under British rule, comprising four distinct royal or charter colonies. (Plymouth had merged into Massachusetts Bay in 1691). Here is the political landscape at that time:

1. Province of Massachusetts Bay

Capital: Boston | Charter: 1691 (Royal)

Formed by merging Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth Colony, Maine, and Nova Scotia (later separated). The economic engine of the region—shipping, fishing, trade. Puritan Congregationalism dominated, though tolerance was slowly increasing.

2. Connecticut Colony

Capital: Hartford | Charter: 1662 (Royal Charter)

Founded 1636 by Thomas Hooker. Known for the Fundamental Orders (1639), considered a precursor to written constitutions. Highly self-governing; economy based on agriculture, livestock, and maritime trade.

3. Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Capital: Providence | Charter: 1663 (Royal Charter)

Founded 1636 by Roger Williams (banished from Mass Bay). Unique for its guarantee of religious liberty and separation of church and state. Haven for Baptists, Quakers, Jews. Economy: farming, shipbuilding, slave trade (sadly).

4. Province of New Hampshire

Capital: Portsmouth | Status: 1730 – Still under Massachusetts Governor (Benning Wentworth appointed separate Gov. 1741)

Settled 1623. In 1730, it shared a governor with Massachusetts but had its own assembly. Heavily forested; economy: timber (masts for Royal Navy), fishing, frontier agriculture. Border disputes with NY (Vermont) and Mass. ongoing.

Regional Characteristics (1730)

• Population: ~150,000–180,000 total.
• Governance: Town meetings, elected assemblies, property suffrage.
• Religion: Congregational (established in Mass/CT/NH); Rhode Island – none.
• Economy: Triangular trade (rum, slaves, molasses), shipbuilding, timber, fish, livestock.
• Tensions: Land pressure, frontier conflict (Abenaki), British trade restrictions (Molasses Act 1733 looming).