The Founded History of the 13 Original British Colonies in America
Introduction
Often, when we talk about the founding of the United States, we focus on the establishment of the 13 colonies. Yet, understanding the timeline and the specific history behind each of these colonies can provide valuable insight into the early periods of American history. This article will explore when and how these 13 colonies were founded, highlighting the complexity behind their establishment.
The Origin of the 13 British Colonies
Many people might be surprised to learn that the actual number of colonies founded by England before the establishment of the United States is much greater than 13. Instead, there were numerous colonies, but only 13 of them eventually formed the basis for the modern United States. Some of these colonies were established not just by England but also by other entities such as the Dutch, Swedes, and Finns.
Timeline of the 13 Colonies
Virginia (1607) - The first permanent English settlement in the New World was established by the London Company, which later became a Crown colony in 1624.
New York (1626) - originally settled by the Dutch, the colony was later permanently acquired by England in 1673 following the Third Anglo-Dutch War.
Massachusetts (1630) - established by Puritans seeking religious freedom, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded earlier but became a Crown colony in 1691.
Maryland (1633) - founded by Lord Baltimore as a haven for Catholics.
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (1636) - originally part of Massachusetts, it received its own charter in 1663.
Connecticut (1636) - like Rhode Island, Connecticut was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and later received its own charter in 1663.
New Hampshire (1638) - originally established by people from Massachusetts, it was governed by Massachusetts until 1691.
Delaware (1638) - initially settled by the Dutch and later by Swedes before being acquired by England.
North Carolina (1653) - the first English aristocratic colony to be founded in the Carolinas.
South Carolina (1663) - established as a royal colony by King Charles II, a charter was granted in 1663.
New Jersey (1664) - initially settled by the Dutch, then taken over by the English in 1664.
Georgia (1732) - established as a colony for debtors and Protestants, it was eventually transformed into a royal province.
The Complexity of the Founding Process
The founding of the 13 colonies was not as straightforward as it might seem. Many of these colonies were founded, maintained, and eventually governed by multiple entities, including various Native American tribes, the Dutch, Swedes, and later, the English. The legal and political situations surrounding the founding of these colonies were complex and often involved multiple layers of governance and administration.
Conclusion
The history of the 13 original British colonies is rich and varied. Understanding the timeline and the specific details of each colony's founding can provide a deeper appreciation for the early chapters of American history. From the earliest settlements in Virginia to the later arrivals in Georgia, each colony played a unique role in shaping the young nation that would eventually become the United States.