On This Day

Massachusetts Bay Colony granted new charter

The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1628–1691), more formally the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, was an English settlement on the east coast of North America around Massachusetts Bay, one of the several...

The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1628–1691), more formally the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, was an English settlement on the east coast of North America around Massachusetts Bay, one of the several colonies later reorganized as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The lands of the settlement were in southern New England, with initial settlements on two natural harbors and surrounding land about 15.4 miles (24.8 km) apart—the areas around Salem and Boston, north of the previously established Plymouth Colony.

Historical Significance

The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1628–1691), more formally the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, was an English settlement on the east coast of North America around Massachusetts Bay, one of the several colonies later reorganized as the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

Events Before

  1. Army of Protestant King William III of England defeats deposed Roman Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne a

    Army of Protestant King William III of England defeats deposed Roman Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge, Ireland

  2. Joseph I, later Holy Roman Emperor and son of Emperor Leopold I, becomes King of the Romans and King in Germany

    Joseph I, later Holy Roman Emperor and son of Emperor Leopold I, becomes King of the Romans and King in Germany

  3. The musical instrument, the clarinet, is invented in Nuremberg, Germany

    The musical instrument, the clarinet, is invented in Nuremberg, Germany

  4. Iroquois tribes renew their allegiance to the British in opposition to the French

    Iroquois tribes renew their allegiance to the British in opposition to the French

  5. French and Native American troops attack and destroy Schenectady settlement in New York Province, either killing or capt

    French and Native American troops attack and destroy Schenectady settlement in New York Province, either killing or capturing its inhabitants, revenge for the Lachine massacre

Events After

  1. First people are accused of witchcraft, and arrested in Salem, Massachusetts - Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, a

    First people are accused of witchcraft, and arrested in Salem, Massachusetts - Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, a West Indian slave

  2. The last eight people - Martha Corey, Margaret Scott, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmott Redd, Samuel Wardw

    The last eight people - Martha Corey, Margaret Scott, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmott Redd, Samuel Wardwell, and Mary Parker - are hanged for allegedly practicing witchcraft as a result of the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts Bay Colony; 19 are hanged overall, with six other death

  3. Glencoe Massacre: about 38 MacDonalds killed early in the morning by rival Campbell clan members, allegedly for not prom

    Glencoe Massacre: about 38 MacDonalds killed early in the morning by rival Campbell clan members, allegedly for not promptly pledging allegiance to the new king, William of Orange

  4. Emperor Leopold I names Duke Earnest August of Braunschweig, king

    Emperor Leopold I names Duke Earnest August of Braunschweig, king

  5. King Maximilian installed as land guardian of South Netherlands

    King Maximilian installed as land guardian of South Netherlands

More from the 1690s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 17, 1691?
The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1628–1691), more formally the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, was an English settlement on the east coast of North America around Massachusetts Bay, one of the several colonies later reorganized as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The lands of the settlement were in southern New England, with initial settlements on two natural harbors and surrounding land about 15.4 miles (24.8 km) apart—the areas around Salem and Boston, north of the previously established Plymouth Colony.
Why is Massachusetts Bay Colony granted new charter significant?
The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1628–1691), more formally the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, was an English settlement on the east coast of North America around Massachusetts Bay, one of the several colonies later reorganized as the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

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