Blank 13 Colonies Map Printable

The 13 Colonies, established along the eastern seaboard of North America in the 17th and 18th centuries, played a pivotal role in shaping the history and identity of the United States. Unravel the story of this significant period with our printable 13 Colonies map, designed with educators and history enthusiasts in mind.

Our printable map stands out for its detail and accuracy, meticulously crafted to provide an engaging learning experience. Dive into the fascinating history of the original colonies, from Georgia's establishment in 1733 to Delaware's ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

Colonies and their Establishment

The 13 Colonies were established in three separate waves, each with unique characteristics and historical significance.

The first wave, known as the Charter Colonies, were Virginia (1607) and Massachusetts (1620). These colonies were founded on charters granted by the British Crown, allowing them substantial self-government.

Charter Colonies

Virginia, the first enduring English colony, was founded by the London Company. It is renowned for its tobacco farming and significant historical figures like Pocahontas and John Smith.

Massachusetts, established by the Plymouth Company, is famous for its Puritan settlers and the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower. It was a key player in the American Revolution and the birthplace of revolutionary ideas.

Headright Colonies

The second wave of colonies, the Headright Colonies, were Bermuda (1609), Maryland (1634), and Carolina (1627). They offered land to settlers in exchange for settling in the colonies. Maryland is notable for being founded as a sanctuary for Catholics.