Shipbuilding: Massachusetts Bay has a long history of shipbuilding, dating back to the early 1600s. The region's shipyards built ships for the fishing industry, the military, and the merchant marine.
Trading: The merchants of Massachusetts Bay traded with other colonies in North America, as well as with Europe and the Caribbean. They exported fish, lumber, and fur, and imported manufactured goods, sugar, and molasses.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing began to develop in Massachusetts Bay in the late 1700s. The region's first factories produced textiles, shoes, and furniture. By the mid-1800s, Massachusetts Bay was a leading center of manufacturing in the United States.
Tourism: Massachusetts Bay is a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to see the region's historic sites, museums, and natural beauty. The region is also home to several colleges and universities, which attract students from all over the world.