13 Colonies

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Colonial Village

Introduction to the 13 Colonies and the content of this section

The 13 Colonies were the original British settlements on the east coast of North America that would later become the United States. Founded between 1607 and 1733, these colonies stretched from New Hampshire in the north to Georgia in the south. They were divided into three regions based on geography and economy: New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Each region developed its own distinct culture, industries, and way of life. While New England focused on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade, the Southern Colonies thrived on agriculture, particularly tobacco and cotton, often using enslaved labor. The Middle Colonies were known for their diversity, farming, and bustling port cities.

Though the colonies were all under British rule, they had different religious beliefs, governments, and relationships with Native Americans. Over time, disagreements with British policies and taxes led to growing tensions. These tensions eventually sparked the American Revolution, and in 1776, the colonies declared independence from Great Britain. The 13 Colonies form the foundation of American history, and their development played a key role in shaping the nation's government, economy, and identity. Exploring their stories helps us better understand the roots of the United States.

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	The Colonies The 13 Colonies were British settlements along the east coast of North America, founded between 1607 and 1733. They were divided into New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies, each with its own unique economy, culture, and way of life, laying the foundation for the United States.

	13 Colonies Interactive Map and Scavenger Hunts Click on the map to learn about each colony or city. Scroll below to see associated scavenger hunts. Click on a section in the menu to the left for everything related to the 13 Colonies and Colonial America.

	13 Colonies Artisans and Trades Welcome to our Colonial Artisans & Trade Village! Explore a virtual town where you can click and learn about the skilled tradespeople who helped build daily life in the 13 Colonies. Discover how blacksmiths, coopers, printers, and more shaped the economy and community of early America.

	13 Colonies Regions Explore the three distinct regions of the 13 Colonies: New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Each region had its own geography, climate, economy, and way of life. Click through to learn how these differences shaped colonial culture and development.

	13 Colonies People Meet some of the most influential figures of the 13 Colonies—leaders, thinkers, and founders who helped shape early America. Explore their stories and discover how they helped build a new nation.

	Events and Topics of the 13 Colonies The 13 Colonies were the stage for many important events that shaped the future of the United States. From early settlements and colonial conflicts to acts of rebellion and the fight for independence, these events helped define America's path. Explore key moments that changed history and united the colonies in the pursuit of freedom.

	13 Colonies Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section contains over 70 online and printable comprehension exercises related to the 13 Colonies. These are generally created for students in grades 4-8.

	Primary Source Super Comprehension These primary source comprehension activities guide students through close reading of authentic historical texts. By working across three skill-focused tabs—Main Idea, Details, Inference, and Contextual Vocabulary—students develop a deeper understanding of the passages and strengthen essential literacy skills. The interactive tools and structured layout help readers analyze, annotate, and interpret the text with clarity and confidence. These also include detailed onlinea nd printable score reports. These activities reflect of Lexile of 950+ (grades 6 + ).

	Flip the Narrative - Debate Comprehension These Flipping the Narrative activities help students explore history by comparing two contrasting perspectives on the same event. Students read both passages, annotate key ideas, and examine how each side uses evidence to support its arguments. By toggling between viewpoints and answering deeper-level questions, learners build critical thinking skills and a richer understanding of historical complexity.

	Adventures Through the Lives and Times of Figures of the 13 Colonies In these interactive stories, students travel through key moments in the subject's life, guided by their words and experiences. At each historic location, they explore illustrated scenes, read narrated passages, and answer thoughtful comprehension questions to track their progress. When all sites are visited, students receive a printable score report showing their journey through America’s founding stories.

	13 Colonies Writing Activities This section contains writing prompts and activities related to the 13 Colonies.

	13 Colonies Fun Stuff This section contains numerous online games, interactives, and fun printables related to the 13 Colonies including Not Boring Jeopardy, Ms. Information - 13 Colonies, and many others.

	13 Colonies Maps and Map Makers This section features a 13 Colonies map maker program (called Maptivation) in which students can produce, color, label, key, format, and print their own 13 Colonies map. It also includes printable and online 13 Colonies label-me maps.