American History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. American History

Massachusetts Colony

By Martin Kelly, About.com

Year Massachusetts Colony Founded: 1620
Founded By: Separatists - Puritans
Motivation for Founding: Separatists in England fled to Holland in 1608 and then decided to find refuge in America where they could create a home for themselves in the Massachusetts Colony. They came over on the Mayflower.
Significance: The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower created the Mayflower Compact. This agreement to form a government and to submit to the will of the majority set up the precedent of written constitutions.
Important People: William Bradford - Chosen governor thirty times in annual elections.
Priscilla and John Alden
John Winthrop

Explore American History

About.com Special Features

American History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. American History
  4. Colonial America
  5. Colony Profiles
  6. Massachusetts Colony

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.