How did early new England colonists make a living?

Early New England colonists made their living primarily through farming, fishing, and trade. Most of the early settlers were farmers who cleared land and grew crops, such as corn, wheat, and barley. They also raised animals, including cattle, pigs, and chickens, for food and other resources.

Fishing was another important economic activity in early New England. The region's abundant coastline provided a wealth of fish, including cod, haddock, and mackerel. Fishing boats were often small, and the fishermen used hand lines or nets to catch their prey. Fishing towns such as Gloucester, Massachusetts, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, became important centers for the fishing industry.

Trade was also essential to the early New England economy. The colonists traded with Native American tribes, as well as with other English colonies and European countries. They exported fish, furs, and other goods to Europe in exchange for manufactured goods, such as clothing, tools, and weapons. The port city of Boston, Massachusetts, became a major hub for trade.

In addition to farming, fishing, and trade, some colonists also engaged in other economic activities, such as shipbuilding, lumbering, and mining. The region's forests provided timber for shipbuilding and construction, while its natural resources, such as iron ore and copper, supported the development of mining industries.

Overall, the early New England colonists built their economy on a foundation of agriculture, fishing, and trade, and adapted their economy to the region's natural resources and geographic features to make a living.