Which were the Original Colonies of America? Check Full List of Countries and Details

The original 13 colonies of the United States were the foundations of the country's freedom and identity. Established by Great Britain along the east coast of North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, these colonies were diverse in terms of economy, religion, and governance. Despite their differences, colonies shared growing disappointments over British rule, especially about taxation without representation. This eventually caused an integrated movement for freedom.

In 1776, the representatives of these colonies came together to declare their freedom from Britain the form the United States. Understanding the origin and development of these 13 colonies provides significant insight into the birth of the nation and the basic values that shape the American democracy and the government.

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List of Regions and Colonies

The Original 13 Colonies 

 British settlements were established along the east coast, which is now the United States. They were established between 1607 and 1733 and are often classified into three regions based on geography and economy: New England, Central, and Southern colonies.

 New England Colonies 

1. Massachusetts- Established by Puritans seeking religious freedom. 

2. New Hampshire - Installed for fishing and business. 

3. Connecticut - Formed by settlers seeking more religious and political freedom. 

4. Road Island - Established by Roger Williams for religious tolerance. 

Middle Colonies 

 5. New York - Originally taken by the Dutch (New Netherlands), the British. 

6. New Jersey - Miscellaneous and known for farming and business.

 7. Pennsylvania - William Pain established a shelter for Quakers. 

8. Delaware - Once part of Pennsylvania, it became its own colony. 

Southern Colonies

9.  Maryland  - A refuge for English Catholics. 

10. Virginia - The first successful colony was established in Jamestown in 1607. 

11. North Carolina - Known for tobacco cultivation. 

12. South Carolina - Rich with tree plantations and slave labor. 

13. Georgia - Final colony, installed as a buffer against Spanish Florida and a place for the debtor. 

Each colony had its own government, but all were under British rule. Tensions on taxes, trade, and governance were eventually united in rebellion. In 1776, he declared independence by forming the United States.