Maryland

Maryland:

Historical Background: Sir George Calvert founded Maryland in 1632 for freedom of the Catholics. It was also founded so that Lord Baltimore could make money off another colony. Bacon’s rebellion was another important event in Maryland history. It was known as the first rebellion of England. I personally think this rebellion inspired other colonists to have a greater drive and passion.

Government: Colonist from Maryland ran their government with an assembly of freemen. It was a group of people who made laws and governed the colony.

Geography: Maryland is located off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, with lots of fertile farmland. Warm temperatures are perfect for crops.

Economy: The economy of Maryland consisted of farming and big plantations. Crops included rice, indigo, and tobacco.

Celebrity Residents: The most important residents of Maryland were Lord Baltimore and Leonard Calvert. Baltimore was the founder of Maryland, and a colony developed with his name. Leonard Calvert was the first governor of Maryland, and was an inspirational leader.

Religion: Our religion is Roman Catholic, however Protestant Christians were welcome.

Important documents: The Active Toleration and Declaration of the Association of the Freemen to Maryland are important documents of Maryland. These documents gave basic governing rules on Maryland.

Selling Point: If you are a Catholic looking to escape religious persecution, then come to Maryland!
Target resident: A Catholic farmer looking to get some religious freedom.


Maryland

“Freedom never felt so free.”

The Carolinas

The Carolinas:

Historical Background: North and South Carolina were founded in 1663 by the 8 English Nobles. Both north and south were founded based on economic reasons. The north had a bunch of poor farmers, while the south had rich masters who had a lot of slaves. While both colonies were really different, I personally think each one of them had something going for them. North Carolina, while poor, knew they always had each other to encourage them. Family is really big there, as family is the best encourager. In South Carolina, I guarantee you a lot of work gets done every day. Plantation owners push their slaves to the point of almost death for little pay. Plantation owners get to sit back, and “reap the benefits” of the harvest. If you had the money and land, then that would be a pretty nice job to have. Both North and South Carolina though share the common bound of farming.

Government: Colonist from The Carolinas ran their government with regulators who helped regulate the government. Both north and south had slaves, however South Carolina was well known for their number of slaves.

Geography: North and South Carolina are located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Both Carolinas had fertile soil, making farming the number one booster for the economy.

Economy: The main part of The Carolinas’ economy is farming. In the south, there were large plantations with a lot of slaves, while the north had poor farmers trying to make it through their hard times. The main crops of both North Carolina and South Carolina are indigo, rice, and tobacco.

Celebrity Residents: The most important resident of the Carolinas was Walter Raleigh. He founded the city Raleigh in North Carolina. Raleigh took the tobacco he farmed, and helped make it popular in England.

Religion: The religion of The Carolinas was Protestant Christian.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to The Carolinas, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the North and South Carolina colonists did too.

Selling Point: If you have the money and slaves to start your farming plantation, then come to South Carolina! If you are in need of money, and are good at farming, then come to North Carolina.

Target resident: Any colonist who has what it takes to be a farmer, and can work well in hot weather, or cold weather changing quickly.
North and South Carolina
“Sowing is not as difficult as reaping.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Georgia

Georgia:
Historical Background: Georgia was founded in 1732 by James Ogelthorpe, because he wanted a place where debtors could make a fresh start. Georgia was kind of like a place where you can start over. Oglethorpe would offer to pay for the debtors to move to Georgia. Personally, I think James Oglethorpe had a lot of guts to pull this off. When he talked about his plan for Georgia people probably laughed at him for taking in all these poor people. However I do believe James Oglethorpe was smart because he would find a great occupation for them to do.
Government: In Georgia, there was a good mix between white men and black men, however only white men could vote. These white men were usually rich plantation owners who had many slaves. A constitutional monarchy was in place, because of the close contact with England. Because Georgia belonged to England, England offered financial aid to colonists of Georgia.
Geography: Georgia is located on coast of the Atlantic Ocean fairly south when compared to other colonies. Georgia has great fertile farmland, making the economy of Georgia almost all farming. Along with farming, there were a lot of rivers in Georgia. Also, because of the fertile land and water source, trees were able to grow despite warm temperatures all year around. Georgia is also located just north of a settlement owned by Spain called Florida. Georgia was also used as a barrier between the other colonies and this Spaniard colony.
Economy: Because of the abundant supply of land, farming was the occupation for most people. Georgia had a lot of slaves, because Georgia was closest colony to the Caribbean and Africa, where the slaves came from. These slaves usually worked in the fields of the plantations, and lived very harsh lives. Even though being a slave is hard, it can be rewarding to go back and observe all the work you have accomplished. Most of the tasks the slaves accomplished were planting the two main crops, rice and indigo.
Important Residents: Two important residents from Georgia are James Oglethorpe, the founder, and John Wesley, famous missionary who set up a mission in Georgia.
Religion: Most colonist and slaves from Georgia were protestant Christian. However, because Georgia was close to Florida, a Spaniard colony, many settlers were Catholics too.
Residency Requirements: To be a full time resident of Georgia, you had to be a Protestant Christian.
Founding documents: An important document to the colonists of Georgia was the Constitution of Georgia. It stated government procedures, and also signified that Georgia was a colony which made James Oglethorpe happy.
Selling Point: If you just out of prison and or in debt, and want a fresh start where people will treat you for who you are, then come to Georgia!
Target resident: Anyone who has not fulfilled their dreams in life and are looking for a way to get back on the right track, regardless of race or gender.
Georgia
“All you dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney

Virginia

Virginia:

Historical Background: Virginia was founded in 1624 by John Smith and the London Company. Both parties wanted Virginia to be a colony for trade as its main source of profit. I think trading was an interesting reason for founding a colony. Most other colonies were founded for farming or religious purposes. Trading as a main source shows this colony is developed more sophisticated than the other colonies.

Government: Colonist from Virginia ran their government where all every free men could vote. Another thing Virginia’s government had was a governor and a voting council. This council voted on decisions important to the colony. Early on, the Virginia House of Burgesses made laws for Virginia.

Geography: Virginia is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Many people were attracted to this colony because of how fertile the farmland was. Temperatures were slightly warmer than some of the northern colonies, simply because of the location.

Economy: The main part of Virginia’s economy is trade and farming. Most people would be farmers, and farm tobacco, indigo, and cotton, then trade it with northern colonists. Farms would be on plantations, and slaves would run the farms for little or no money at all.

Celebrity Residents: The most important resident of Virginia was John Smith, who founded the colony of Jamestown, the most important colony in Virginia. It was the also the first English settlement in the new world.

Religion: The religion of Virginia was Protestant Christian.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to Virginia, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the Virginia colonists did too. The Mayflower compact was also relatively important to Jamestown since it was the basic rules for how new world colonies should live.

Selling Point: If you like people to admire your work and be a part of one of the oldest colonies in the new world, then come to Virginia!

Target resident: Any colonist who wants a profit or something new for their work, and any colonist who’s not afraid of a running a plantation.
Virginia
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” –Leonardo Da Vinci

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania:

Historical Background: Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 by William Penn. Penn founded Pennsylvania because he wanted religious freedom since he was a Quaker. Quakers are people who believe all people are equal in God’s sight. Obviously he was persecuted by England, by being arrested or fined. So William Penn believed the Quakers should have a colony of their own. And thus, Pennsylvania was born. I personally think William Penn has a lot of courage for standing up to what he believes. Quakers were very peaceful people, so naturally Penn chose not to fight back. His colony would prove to be a colony shaped for religion.

Government: Colonist from Pennsylvania ran their government where all every free man could vote, they had a legislature, and a governor who watched over the colony for the King. The colonists also developed an assembly to discuss issues or problems they had with each other.

Geography: Pennsylvania is located just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Many people were attracted to this colony because of how fertile the farmland was. There was also a lot of open land, perfect for raising livestock.

Economy: The economy of Pennsylvania consisted of farming, livestock raising, and craftsmen jobs. The main animals raised are cows and pigs. The main crop of all the Middle Colonies is grain; that’s where the nickname Breadbasket colonies comes from. Also African slaves were brought here, and forced to do some of the manual work.

Celebrity Residents: The most important residents of Pennsylvania are William Penn and William Markham, a governor of the colony.

Religion: The religion of Pennsylvania was Quaker; however they did allow all religions. This colony was nicknamed “The Holy Experiment.”

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to Pennsylvania, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the Pennsylvania colonists did too.

Selling Point: If you are a Quaker who is being treated poorly, then pack up your things and move to Pennsylvania!
Target resident: A Quaker looking to find a common spot to live with other Quakers who share their beliefs.
Pennsylvania
“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” –Ronald Reagan

Delaware

Delaware:

Historical Background: Delaware was founded in 1683 by The Duke of York. The Duke of York believed Pennsylvania should be separated, because it was too big. So, he bought the land for Delaware. I think it would be kind of exciting to be a new colonist of Delaware because of all the new experiences you would have. You probably are a former resident of Pennsylvania, but left because it took too long to get to the town meetings. Now, you have your own government and own meetings to run. Think of all the new ideas and inspirations that will happen.

Government: Colonist from Delaware ran their government where all every free man could vote, they had a legislature, and a governor who watched over the colony for the King. The colonists also developed an assembly to discuss issues or problems they had with each other.

Geography: Delaware is located just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Many people were attracted to this colony because of how fertile the farmland was. There was a major river named the Delaware River that ran through the colony towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Economy: The economy of Delaware consisted of farming and mining iron ore. The main crop of all the Delaware is grain, barley, and rye; that’s where the nickname Breadbasket colonies comes from.

Celebrity Residents: The most important residents were people who spent just a little of their time in the colony. Peter Stuyvesant went on an exploration of the Delaware River in 1655, William Penn, who did work for the colony when it was still a part of Pennsylvania, and the Duke of York, who originally supplied the land and money to fund the Delaware colony.

Religion: The religion of Delaware was Protestant Christian.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to Delaware, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the Delaware colonists did too.

Selling Point: If you like town meetings that don’t take forever to get to, and want to be a part of a good, strong farming colony, then come to Delaware!
Target resident: A non-Quaker colonist who is inspired to start something great.

Delaware
“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” -John Heywood

New Jersey

New Jersey:

Historical Background: New Jersey was founded in 1664 by the Duke of York. He decides New York is too big and gives land to his friends to set up a new colony. His friends, Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, decide to set up the new colony east of New York, and the decided to name it New Jersey. New Jersey was a Proprietary colony. I personally would be thrilled, yet scared for all the new opportunities New Jersey has to offer. Imagine your friend giving you a bunch of land and starting a new colony. I can tell you; however, these guys will have a bunch of energy in making sure the colony is a success.

Government: Colonist from New Jersey ran their government pretty similar to New York. All every free man could vote, they had a legislature, and a governor who watched over the colony for the King. One thing different though is that New Jersey has an Assembly of colonists, which met to make decisions.

Geography: New Jersey is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Many people were attracted to this colony because of how fertile the farmland was.

Economy: The main part of New Jersey’s economy is its farming. Just about every colonist would want to take advantage of the fertile soil New Jersey could provide.

Celebrity Residents: The most important residents of New Jersey are Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. These men took the land the Duke of York gave to them, and made their proprietary colony out of it.

Religion: The religion of New Jersey was Protestant Christian, Quakers, Dutch reformed Christians, and Lutherans.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to New Jersey, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the New Jersey colonists did too.

Selling Point: If you have what it takes to be a farmer and want to be successful, then come to New Jersey!

Target resident: Any colonist who has what it takes to be a farmer, wants religious freedom, and isn’t afraid of anything.
New Jersey
“Just trying to make it big” –Just about everyone.

New York

New York:

Historical Background: New York was founded in 1664 by Peter Stuyvesant. New York was founded as a place where there was religious freedom. At first this colony was named New Netherland, but when Stuyvesant surrenders this colony to England, his brother renames it New York for the Duke of York. I personally find it interesting how all this land was given to the Duke of York. Obviously he knows what he’s doing to receive all that land. Knowing this, he would probably run a colony very well, along with it getting support from the King of England.

Government: Colonist from New York ran their government so every free man could vote. There was also a legislature, which made laws, and a governor who watched over the colony for the King.

Geography: New York is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean; however there are major forestry areas that are good for shipbuilding.

Economy: Because of the vast forests and fertile soil, New York’s Economy consisted of farming, ship building, as well as fur trade. New York was also a major port colony.

Celebrity Residents: The most famous resident of New York was Peter Stuyvesant, the governor of New York, and Peter Minuit, who is known for buying Manhattan Island.

Religion: The religion of New York was Protestant Christian, and most of the Dutch residents living there were reformed Christians.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to New York, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the New Yorkers did too.

Selling Point: If you are someone who wants to make it big and famous whether in farming or trading, then come to New York!

Target resident: Any colonist with Dutch significance and someone who wants to see results in their work whether trading or farming.
New York
“The streets will inspire you; let’s hear it for New York!”- Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z

Rhode Island

Rhode Island:

Historical Background: Rhode Island was founded in 1635 by Roger Williams, because he felt like the Puritan Church had too much power. Williams was a young minister who believed in religious tolerance and the separation of church and state. So basically Williams stands up for what he believes in, and the General Court of Massachusetts asks him to leave. But being the kind of man he is, Roger Williams purchased land from the Native Americans to start his colony that would later be called Rhode Island. Personally, I think Williams had a lot of self-respect to carry out this crazy plan he had. How many of you, after being kicked out of wherever or whatever, would go out, on your own, and start a new one? This colony will resemble Roger William’s self-respect initiative, as it is the smallest colony.

Government: In Rhode Island, Roger Williams believed in a separation of church and state, so the church won’t have too much power over the government and vice versa. His government didn’t have a specific religion, and welcomed all religions to come to the colony. Did not want the government to have too much power, so all white men had the right to vote.

Geography: Rhode Island is located on coast of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for fishing, importing, and exporting. Running through the middle of the Colony, there is a major river, leading the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Economy: In Rhode Island, if workers aren’t farming, they are probably doing some type of water work, fishing, whaling for oil, ship building, and shipping products out. Of course there are always chores around the colony to do too. Another thing that shaped how the economy would be were town meetings. In these meetings, colonists would vote on certain issues related to farming, their lifestyle, or any other problem that came across their way.

Celebrity Residents: Residents who have lived here are Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, a devout Puritan who got thrown out of Massachusetts because she claimed God spoke directly to her (blasphemy), and fled to Rhode Island.

Religion: Our religion is Protestant Christian, however Jews, Catholics, and anyone else was welcome to come too.

Important documents: The Magna Carta is an important document to Rhode Island, because the citizens of England followed by it, therefore the Rhode Island colonists did too.

Selling Point: If you like someone who shows initiative and will stand up for what he thinks is right, and you have a battle that is worth fighting for, then come to Rhode Island!
Target resident: Any colonist wishing to take on a more proactive role in their colony’s government where separation of church and state is practiced.

Rhode Island
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me –Philippians 4:13

New Hampshire

New Hampshire:

Historical Background: New Hampshire was founded in 1638 by John Mason for the primary reason of starting a fishing colony. The name “New Hampshire” comes from a county in England bearing the name Hampshire. Wheelwright and Mason were both loyal to the King of England, so they naturally would want their colony to reflect that in some way.

Government: Colonist from New Hampshire ran their government as a General Court. All male white members of the church could vote. One of the benefits of having a General Court was that there were public town meetings. There settlers could discuss, and then finally settle on decisions relating to the colony.

Geography: New Hampshire is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for fishing, importing, and exporting. Because of the vast amount of water, New Hampshire was a fishing colony.

Economy: If colonists weren’t fishing, they were taking care of their farms and agriculture businesses. One of the common crops colonists would grow was potatoes. Also, colonists manufactured textiles, and were avid shipbuilders.

Celebrity Residents: A few of the celebrity residents of New Hampshire were John Mason, founder of New Hampshire, and John Wheelwright, who founded the town of Exeter, New Hampshire.

Religion: Our religion is Protestant Christian.

Important documents: The Exeter Compact was important to the colonists for New Hampshire because it united townships together.

Selling Point: If you want are an avid fishermen, farmer, and love the great outdoors, then come to New Hampshire
Target resident: Any colonist who loves to be outdoors, wants to have a strong government, wants to keep a healthy relationship with England, and anyone who wants to live a simple life.


New Hampshire
“The simplest things in life are the truest.” –Richard Bach

Connecticut

Connecticut:

Historical Background: Connecticut was founded in 1636 by Thomas Hooker, because he felt like the Puritan governor of Massachusetts had too much power. He led 100 settlers to Harford. Thomas Hooker wanted more of a spread of power, which will cause the way of government to be different than Massachusetts. Personally, I think Hooker had a lot of courage to go out and stand up for what he believed. This colony will defiantly show a lot of patriotism, because of how proud and exciting Hooker and colonist will be to get a fresh start.

Government: In Connecticut, all male property owners could vote, limiting the power of the non-land owner’s and women. Because colonist had the liberty of voting, the governor’s power is limited which was why Hooker left Massachusetts in the first place.

Geography: Connecticut is located on coast of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for fishing, importing, and exporting. Running through the middle of the Colony, there is a major river, leading the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Towns and colonies would want to settle along this river, because there is a big source of water, and the land most likely will be fertile.

Economy: In Connecticut, if workers aren’t farming, they are probably doing some type of water work, fishing, whaling for oil, ship building, and shipping products out. Of course there are always chores around the colony to do too.

Celebrity Residents: Residents who have lived here are Thomas Hooker and John Haynes, our first governor.

Religion: Our religion is Protestant Christian.

Important documents: The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were important to the colonists, because it gave voting rights to property owning men, which included non-church members. This was a huge step towards a separation of church and state that Thomas Hooker wanted.

Selling Point: If you want to take pride in your colony, and have the freedoms Massachusetts colonists do not have, then come to Connecticut!
Target resident: Any colonist wishing to escape from the strict practices of Massachusetts, and anyone in need of a political spark in their lives.

Connecticut
“I'm gonna live what I believe. I'm gonna walk that line.” –Russ Lee Live What I Believe