Which state was one of the original 13 colonies known for its Puritan settlements?

Massachusetts is recognized as one of the original 13 colonies, established primarily by Puritans seeking religious freedom and the opportunity to create a community based on their values. The Puritans arrived in the early 1600s and played a significant role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the colony. They established their settlements with the intent of creating a "city upon a hill," exemplifying their vision of a moral society. This foundational aspect of Massachusetts history is pivotal, as it highlights the influence of Puritan beliefs on educational, legal, and governance systems in the region and beyond.

In contrast, the other states mentioned had different settlement patterns and motivations. New Jersey was initially settled by Dutch and Swedish explorers before becoming a British colony, while Virginia was largely established for economic reasons focused on agriculture, particularly tobacco. South Carolina’s settlement was primarily driven by agricultural interests and the plantation economy, which involved significant slave labor, rather than by the religious motivations that characterized Massachusetts.