60 Must-Know New England Fun Facts You Had No Idea About!

New England is a fabulous place in the U.S. packed with rich culture and history that dates back to colonial times.

New England is the pioneer state where the first European settlers established their colonies around 400 years ago. This region is known for its charming colonial towns, grand mansions, and historical sites that marked the American Revolutionary War.

New England comprises six incredible and diverse states: Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island. Each state is peppered with its history and charm, making it unique from the rest of the colonies.

Acknowledged as one of the stunning cities in the country, New England takes pride in its scenic spots and sights that consist of mountain ranges, rural areas, and breathtaking countryside filled with numerous hills.

Location Of New England

Situated towards the country's northeastern corner, New England shares borders with New York City on the west with the Canadian provinces in the north and northeastern end. The states in the southeast and eastern part lie along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. More people reside on the East Coast of New England due to the pleasant climatic conditions. 

The New England colonies combine to cover a total area of 71,992 sq. mi (186,458 sq. km). Maine, the largest state in New England, occupies more than one-half of the total area and boasts more than 5000 mi of coastline than California.

Besides the coastline, the state of Maine spans a total area of 33,215 sq. mi (86,026 sq. km). The remaining New England states are relatively smaller in size, with Rhode Island being the smallest state in New England and the country.

The diverse geography of the New England states makes it stand out from the other states in the country. Despite covering only a small area, the southern parts of New England lie close to the coastline and are filled with coastal plains, which make it the perfect location for European settlers to establish their colonies.

On the other hand, the northern and western regions are covered with Appalachian mountains and rolling hills.

The Appalachian Mountain range extends through different states of New England namely Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. It also shares borders between New York City and New England. Among these rolling hills and peaks in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and situated within the White Mountains is its tallest peak - Mount Washington.

As the Atlantic ocean lies close to some coastal states, people enjoy hydraulic power from rivers like the Connecticut River. As of 2021, New England's population is more than 15 million, with Massachusetts being the most populous among the New England states. Regarding ethnicity, residents of European descent constitute over 80% of New England's population. 

New England's largest city, Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, has a population of more than 690,000. The other major cities that determine demographics in New England are Providence, Rhode Island, Springfield, and Worcester.

With more than 15 million residents calling it their home, the New England state has a picturesque coastline of more than 5,000 mi (8,047 km), showcasing fishing villages and beautiful white-sand beaches.

History Of New England

Native Americans were the earliest inhabitants of New England. They belonged to distinguished tribes: Pequots, Narragansetts, Wampanoag, Abenakis, Mohegans, Pocumtucks, Penobscot, and Mi'kmaq.

In the past, the European colonists kept their base on this land; the Pequot and Mohegan tribes occupied present-day Connecticut state, where the Connecticut River valley served as the breeding ground for political, cultural, and linguistic growth.

The Narragansetts tribe thrived in the modern-day Rhode Island region, and the tribe of Wampanoag occupied the current southeastern parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Abenakis tribe occupied most parts, including modern-day New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and certain parts of Maine.

Moreover, they declared Norridgewock as their principal town, which is the modern-day state of Maine. While the Penobscot tribe established their territory in present-day Maine, the Pocumtucks tribe were known to live among the western parts of present-day Massachusetts.

New England's history dates back to the early 1600s when the King of England chartered the Virginia Company intending to search and claim more land for England. The king intended to conduct trade and reap profits.

By 1614, some British merchants under the leadership of Captain John Smith explored the northeastern shores of the U.S. and named this region 'New England'.

The Puritans and Pilgrims arrived in New England in 1620, onboard the Mayflower, in search of religious freedom from the Church of England, making it one of the earliest successful English settlement states in the U.S. As these two groups were oppressed by the Catholic and Anglican church, they were on the search for a new society where they could freely practice their beliefs and interests.

The huge influx of the Puritans saw an increase in New England's population in the Salem and Boston areas.

These inhabitants established their colonies and prospered in fishing, lumbering, farming, and sea trading.

The 17th century saw a rise in highly educated leadership, resulting in the development of public schools and higher education institutions such as Harvard University and Yale University. Though New England was initially self-sufficient with farming as their primary source of income, the abundant harbors, forests, and streams soon triggered seaway commerce and trade along the Atlantic Ocean.

Towards the late 18th century, most British colonies in New England expressed resistance to the British crown, resulting in notable demonstrations like the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Shortly afterward, the American Revolutionary War broke out against British authorities in 1775, leading New England colonies to the freedom that Americans now enjoy.

During the war, many notable New Englanders like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams played a huge role in the birth of the United States of America.

By the 20th century, many changes took place in the New England states following World War II. New England which once flourished in the leather and textile industry experienced a downward decline. The loss triggered a shift in business ventures, prompting advancements in the transport and high-tech industries like the electronics sector.

The Largest City In New England

Boston is New England's oldest and largest metropolitan city in Massachusetts, with around one-third of the total New England inhabitants residing in this city. By 1897, Boston had become the first city in the western hemisphere of Massachusetts to have a subway.

Immersed in history, it's not a surprise that Boston is home to America's oldest public park, Boston Common.

Additionally being the most populated city in New England, Boston is also one of the largest metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, with 15 metropolitan cities. This city hosts everything from Romanesque churches to the world-famous Harvard University, where former U.S. President Barack Obama graduated with a law degree.

Logan International Airport in Boston, located at the center of New England, is the principal gateway that connects New England with the rest of the world. Due to the breathtaking scenery, New England has made cameos in many Hollywood movies.

The most notable ones include 'Love Story', 'Mystic River', 'Jaws', and 'The Departed' — featuring the notorious crime scenes in Boston.

What is New England known for?

New England has a diverse culture that has been contributed by the early settlers and inhabitants of this region. Soaking in on the fabulous city walks, you'll also come across historic sites, monuments, and buildings that feature key historical events in New England. 

New Englanders are known for their down-to-earth and hospitable nature. Most New Englanders enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and even extreme sports. When it comes to sports, the biggest professional teams in New England include the New England Patriots for American football, the Boston Bruins for ice hockey, and the Boston Red Sox for baseball.   

Rhode Island, which happens to be the tiniest state, was founded by Roger Williams, who built the first Baptist Church here. The first Jewish synagogue in America also happens to be in Rhode Island.

Vermont is a popular tourist destination that attracts holidaymakers with its beautiful forest, farmlands, and charming villages. The gorgeous landscape filled with Vermont's Green Mountains adds an extra appeal to this region. 

With countless historic buildings and landmarks, New Hampshire's statehouse is another noteworthy building that speaks of history. The oldest state capitol in New Hampshire started operations in 1819. 

Did You Know…

One of the most interesting fun facts about New England is that it does not have an official flag of its own. However, the state has many historic banners representing the region's rich history.

One of the common designs contains a plain red-colored banner with a pine tree at the top left-hand corner. The white pine is a prominent and common symbol used by New England and featured on most of their flags.

During the 1840s, the state of New England became the leading force for higher education and American literature. It was also the epicenter of the anti-slavery movement in America. 

Shortly after the U.S. gained its independence from Great Britain, merchants only relied on Britain as a trading partner. The rule of the British authorities was completely expelled by 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. 

As part of the anti-slavery movement, politicians like Jon P. Halle, Charles Summer, and John Quincy Adams played a crucial role in limiting slavery.

FAQs

Why New England is called New England?

New England got its name from the first place where English settlers established their colonies. 

What is the economy of the New England colonies based on?

New England's economy is centered around manufacturing and shipbuilding, as the land is a rich source of timber. The products manufactured in New England are then exported via seaway commerce to other regions of the world. 

What product is New England famous for manufacturing?

The main manufacturing products of New England include spare parts, shipboard machinery, medical equipment, consumer supplies, automotive parts, and electronics. 

What made one New England colony different from another?

Each New England colony is unique and different from the rest of the colonies due to its unique geographical features and climatic condition. This makes New England unique from the other states in the country.  

What is New England's largest state?

Maine is the biggest and most prominent state in New England among its six states, covering nearly half of the total land area. This also makes Maine the 39th largest state in America.

Does New England have a flag?

No, New England does not have an official flag of its own. Instead, the state has many historic banners.

What is the prettiest New England state?

Maine is considered the prettiest New England state and a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking shoreline and natural landscapes. 

Why is New York not a part of New England?

Though New York lies in the northeastern part of the U.S., it is not considered a part of New England. This is mainly because New Jersey and New York were initially Dutch settlements, unlike New England.