Colonial America refers to the period from the founding of Jamestown
in 1607 through the growing tensions that eventually led to the
American Revolution. During this period the thirteen British colonies
developed distinct political institutions, religious traditions, and
economic systems.
This section explores the major themes of colonial history including
the founding of the colonies, colonial government, religion, and daily life.
Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and the Founding of Rhode Island and Connecticut In the early days of the English colonies in North America, life was not always about freedom and opportunity in the way we often imagine today. Many of the settlers who came to places like Massachusetts were seeking religious freedom—but once they arrived, … Read more
Imagine starting a brand-new community from scratch. There are no roads, no schools, no stores, and no government buildings—just forests, rivers, and open land. Now imagine that your goal is not just to survive, but to build a perfect society—one that follows your deepest beliefs about how people should live. That is exactly what the … Read more
How a small group of settlers struggled, survived, and helped shape early America Imagine leaving your home forever. You say goodbye to your friends, your town, and everything familiar. You board a crowded wooden ship. The ocean ahead is wide, cold, and dangerous. You don’t know exactly what will happen—but you believe it’s worth the … Read more
When many Europeans first crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the late 1400s and early 1500s, they believed they had discovered a “New World.” To them, this land was unknown, mysterious, and full of possibility. But there was one very important problem with that idea. It wasn’t new at all. For thousands of years before Europeans … Read more
Imagine this: you are told that tomorrow, you must leave your home. You can only take what fits in a small bag, won’t see your friends again., and may never see your family again. Think of how you would feel if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, but knowing that the journey could take … Read more
A Beginner’s Guide for Young Historians If you’ve ever wondered how the United States began, you have to go back in time—long before there were 50 states, before there was even a country called “America.” This earlier time is known as Colonial America, and it’s one of the most important periods in history to understand. … Read more
