European immigration to North America started in the 16th century. The Spanish were the first, followed by the French and English who began to settle the region well into the 17th century. Immigration further increased with the importation of slaves.

In 1607, the first permanent English settlement of the United States was established in Jamestown, Virginia. As England looked to establish territory alongside Spain and France in North America, English settlers, who believed there was gold in America, were also looking for economic opportunities and religious freedom. Movement into this area by both groups resulted in the establishment of the 13 English colonies.

Click on each colony in the map below to learn more about the establishment of each of the colonies.

After reviewing the information about the 13 English colonies, answer the following questions.

1. According to the map above, what geographic feature do each of the 13 colonies have in common?

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   Answer: Each colony borders a body of water. Most colonies border the Atlantic Ocean with the exception of Pennsylvania, which borders Lake Erie.

2. Which of the 13 English colonies had been previously settled by the Dutch?

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   Answer: New Jersey and New York had previously been settled by the Dutch. Both of these territories were seized by England in 1664.

3. Most of the major settlements in the colonies were founded near important waterways or bodies of water. Why do you think this was important to the location of these settlements?

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   Answer: Waterways and bodies of water were important to cities, towns, and large settlements because they provided routes for transportation and trade. It was also important for settlers to have access to water for irrigation, cleaning, cooking, and drinking.