The 13 Original Proprietary Colonies

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 60 views

Introduction

In the early history of the United States, several states were established as proprietary colonies. These colonies were granted to individuals or companies by the British monarch, who served as the proprietor. The proprietor had the authority to govern the colony and make decisions regarding its development. In this article, we will explore the states that were started as proprietary colonies and the history behind their establishment.

What is a Proprietary Colony?

A proprietary colony is a type of colony that is granted to an individual or company by the British monarch. The proprietor has the authority to govern the colony and make decisions regarding its development. Proprietary colonies were often established as a way for the British government to encourage settlement and economic development in new areas.

The 13 Original Proprietary Colonies

While many of the original 13 colonies were established as royal colonies, several were established as proprietary colonies. These colonies include:

Maryland

Maryland: A Proprietary Colony

Maryland was established in 1634 as a proprietary colony by Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. Calvert was a member of the Catholic family of the Calverts, who were prominent in England. He was granted a charter by King Charles I to establish a colony in the New World, which he named Maryland in honor of his father, George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore.

Maryland was established as a haven for Catholics, who were persecuted in England. The colony was governed by a council of advisors, who were appointed by the proprietor. The colony was also granted a charter that allowed it to govern itself, with the proprietor serving as the head of the colony.

Pennsylvania: A Proprietary Colony

Pennsylvania was established in 1681 as a proprietary colony by William Penn. Penn was a Quaker who was granted a charter by King Charles II to establish a colony in the New World. The colony was named Pennsylvania in honor of Penn's father, Admiral Sir William Penn.

Pennsylvania was established as a haven for Quakers, who were persecuted in England. The colony was governed by a council of advisors, who were appointed by the proprietor. The colony was also granted a charter that allowed it to govern itself, with the proprietor serving as the head of the colony.

Delaware

Delaware: A Proprietary Colony

Delaware was established in 1638 as a proprietary colony by Peter Minuit. Minuit was a Dutch colonist who was granted a charter by the Dutch West India Company to establish a colony in the New World. The colony was named New Sweden in honor of Sweden, which was a major trading partner of the Dutch.

Delaware was established as a trading post and a haven for Dutch colonists. The colony was governed by a council of advisors, who were appointed by the proprietor. The colony was also granted a charter that allowed it to govern itself, with the proprietor serving as the head of the colony.

North Carolina

North Carolina: A Proprietary Colony

North Carolina was established in 1653 as a proprietary colony by John Berkeley and Sir William Craven. Berkeley and Craven were two English noblemen who were granted a charter by King Charles II to establish a colony in the New World. The colony was named Carolina in honor of King Charles II.

North Carolina was established as a haven for English colonists. The colony was governed by a council of advisors, who were appointed by the proprietors. The colony was also granted a charter that allowed it to govern itself, with the proprietors serving as the head of the colony.

South Carolina

South Carolina: A Proprietary Colony

South Carolina was established in 1663 as a proprietary colony by John Locke and eight other English noblemen. Locke was a philosopher and a member of the English Parliament who was granted a charter by King Charles II to establish a colony in the New World. The colony was named Carolina in honor of King Charles II.

South Carolina was established as a haven for English colonists. The colony was governed by a council of advisors, who were appointed by the proprietors. The colony was also granted a charter that allowed it to govern itself, with the proprietors serving as the head of the colony.

The End of Proprietary Colonies

The proprietary colonies were eventually abolished by the British government in the 18th century. The colonies were granted independence from the proprietors and became royal colonies, governed directly by the British monarch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, several states in the United States were established as proprietary colonies. These colonies were granted to individuals or companies by the British monarch, who served as the proprietor. The proprietor had the authority to govern the colony and make decisions regarding its development. The proprietary colonies played an important role in the early history of the United States and helped shape the country into what it is today.

Timeline of Proprietary Colonies

1634: Maryland established as a proprietary colony by Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore
1638: Delaware established as a proprietary colony by Peter Minuit
1653: North Carolina established as a proprietary colony by John Berkeley and Sir William Craven
1663: South Carolina established as a proprietary colony by John Locke and eight other English noblemen
1681: Pennsylvania established as a proprietary colony by William Penn

References

"A History of the United States" by George Bancroft
"The Proprietary Colonies of North America" by Charles M. Andrews
"The History of Maryland" by Thomas C. Platt
"The History of Pennsylvania" by William Penn
"The History of Delaware" by Peter Minuit
"The History of North Carolina" by John Berkeley and Sir William Craven
"The History of South Carolina" by John Locke and eight other English noblemen
Frequently Asked Questions: Proprietary Colonies =====================================================

Q: What is a proprietary colony?

A: A proprietary colony is a type of colony that is granted to an individual or company by the British monarch. The proprietor has the authority to govern the colony and make decisions regarding its development.

Q: How were proprietary colonies established?

A: Proprietary colonies were established by the British monarch granting a charter to an individual or company to establish a colony in the New World. The charter would outline the terms and conditions of the colony, including the rights and responsibilities of the proprietor.

Q: What were the benefits of being a proprietary colony?

A: The benefits of being a proprietary colony included the ability to govern oneself, make decisions regarding development, and have a degree of autonomy from the British government. Proprietors also had the opportunity to profit from the colony's resources and trade.

Q: What were the drawbacks of being a proprietary colony?

A: The drawbacks of being a proprietary colony included the risk of financial loss, the potential for conflict with the British government, and the responsibility for governing the colony.

Q: Which states were established as proprietary colonies?

A: Several states in the United States were established as proprietary colonies, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Q: Who were some of the notable proprietors of proprietary colonies?

A: Some notable proprietors of proprietary colonies included Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, who established Maryland; William Penn, who established Pennsylvania; Peter Minuit, who established Delaware; John Berkeley and Sir William Craven, who established North Carolina; and John Locke and eight other English noblemen, who established South Carolina.

Q: What was the impact of proprietary colonies on the development of the United States?

A: Proprietary colonies played an important role in the early history of the United States, providing a framework for governance and development. They also helped to shape the country's economy, politics, and culture.

Q: When did proprietary colonies cease to exist?

A: Proprietary colonies ceased to exist in the 18th century, when the British government abolished them and granted independence to the colonies.

Q: What replaced proprietary colonies?

A: Royal colonies replaced proprietary colonies. Royal colonies were governed directly by the British monarch, rather than by a proprietor.

Q: How did the transition from proprietary to royal colonies affect the colonies?

A: The transition from proprietary to royal colonies had a significant impact on the colonies. It led to a shift in governance, with the British government taking a more direct role in the colonies. It also led to changes in the economy, politics, and culture of the colonies.

Q: What can we learn from the history of proprietary colonies?

A: We can learn several lessons from the history of proprietary colonies, including the importance of governance, the role of individual initiative, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous populations.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of proprietary colonies to modern-day issues?

A: We can apply the lessons of proprietary colonies to modern-day issues such as governance, economic development, and cultural exchange. By understanding the history of proprietary colonies, we can gain insights into the complexities of colonialism and the importance of responsible governance.

Q: What resources are available for further learning about proprietary colonies?

A: There are several resources available for further learning about proprietary colonies, including books, articles, and online resources. Some recommended resources include:

"A History of the United States" by George Bancroft
"The Proprietary Colonies of North America" by Charles M. Andrews
"The History of Maryland" by Thomas C. Platt
"The History of Pennsylvania" by William Penn
"The History of Delaware" by Peter Minuit
"The History of North Carolina" by John Berkeley and Sir William Craven
"The History of South Carolina" by John Locke and eight other English noblemen

Q: How can I get involved in preserving the history of proprietary colonies?

A: There are several ways to get involved in preserving the history of proprietary colonies, including:

Volunteering at a historical society or museum
Participating in historical reenactments or living history events
Conducting research on proprietary colonies
Writing about proprietary colonies
Sharing your knowledge with others through teaching or public speaking

By getting involved in preserving the history of proprietary colonies, you can help to ensure that this important chapter in American history is not forgotten.