New England

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Experience the magnificent landscapes of New England and rediscover its culture and history

Explore the life of first settlers as they travel to the coast of New England

See how European settlers in U.S. Northeast created metropolises such as Boston and New York City

Explore the U.S. Northeast region's Appalachian Mountains, Hudson River, and Atlantic seaboard

New England

Q: Which states make up New England?

New England includes the U.S. states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Q: Who named New England?

Capt. John Smith named the region New England after he explored its shores in 1614 for some London merchants.

Q: Where is New England located?

New England is a region located in the northeastern United States.

region, United States

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 19, 2024 • Article History

Which states make up New England?

Who named New England?

Where is New England located?

News •

List of America's best small towns includes 5 New England destinations • Dec. 18, 2024, 3:11 AM ET (CBS)

Small winter catch set for New England's long-closed shrimp industry, a climate casualty • Dec. 17, 2024, 7:38 AM ET (ABC News (U.S.))

Turning dusty attic treasures into cash can yield millions for some and disappointment for others • Dec. 12, 2024, 5:10 PM ET (AP)

Bone-chilling cold returns to the Midwest in the wake of a storm that soaked the East Coast • Dec. 12, 2024, 4:38 PM ET (AP)

Atmospheric river brings weather whiplash to East Coast as bomb cyclone develops • Dec. 11, 2024, 11:51 PM ET (AP)

New England, region, northeastern United States, including the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The region was named by Capt. John Smith, who explored its shores in 1614 for some London merchants. New England was soon settled by English Puritans whose aversion to idleness and luxury served admirably the need of fledgling communities where the work to be done was so prodigious and the hands so few. During the 17th century the population’s high esteem for an educated clergy and enlightened leadership encouraged the development of public schools as well as such institutions of higher ...(100 of 460 words)

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