On This Day

Puritans from Massachusetts Bay Colony land at Salem

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. Spanish government goes bankrupt

    Spanish government goes bankrupt

  2. Gunpowder is used in a mining operation instead of mechanical tools in present-day Slovakia, reportedly the first time e

    Gunpowder is used in a mining operation instead of mechanical tools in present-day Slovakia, reportedly the first time explosives had been used in mining

  3. France and Spain sign an accord to fight Protestantism

    France and Spain sign an accord to fight Protestantism

  4. Ottoman pirates begin raids on Icelandic villages, will eventually capture over 400 people to sell into slavery

    Ottoman pirates begin raids on Icelandic villages, will eventually capture over 400 people to sell into slavery

  5. Cardinal Richelieu begins the siege of La Rochelle

    Cardinal Richelieu begins the siege of La Rochelle

Events After

  1. First game law is passed in the American colonies by Virginia

    First game law is passed in the American colonies by Virginia

  2. England and France sign Peace of Susa

    England and France sign Peace of Susa

  3. French huguenot leader Duke De Rohan signs accord with Spain

    French huguenot leader Duke De Rohan signs accord with Spain

  4. Dutch East India ship Batavia wrecks on Morning Reef off the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, with 200 survivors (on

    Dutch East India ship Batavia wrecks on Morning Reef off the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, with 200 survivors (only 70 survive after three months due to mutiny and murders) [1]

  5. Peace of Alès: Rights of French huguenots limited

    Peace of Alès: Rights of French huguenots limited

More from the 1620s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 6, 1628?
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 Puritans from Massachusetts Bay Colony land at Salem 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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