Pennsylvania
In 1681, William Penn, a powerful English Quaker, created "The Holy Experiment"; it was to be the ideal place for Quakers to live, escaping persecution from the Puritan society of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and would experiment in new, liberal political ideas, all the while profiting. This "Haven for Quakers" is now called Pennsylvania, and it has become one of the most prominent states in the US.
Geographic Features (10)
Like all of the other members of the Middle Colonies, Pennsylvania was able to enjoy the privilege of having the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Hudson Rivers within a close proximity. These rivers, and Pennsylvania's overall proximity to the sea, gave the colonists easy access to transportation. Furthermore, these rivers would also promote the growth of the wildlife in the region, as well as hardwood forests that encouraged shipbuilding and lumbering. The area possessed a mild climate , a longer growing season, and a decent amount of sunshine and rain for agriculture; it has, on average, 41.45 inches of rainfall per year in Philadelphia (24). Furthermore, the Northern glaciers brought fertile soil to the colony and its fellow Middle Colonies. These conditions created a suitable environment for agriculture, and allowed settlers in Pennsylvania to have exceptional farming, especially of wheat, barley, rye, and oats.
Social and Religious Features (10)
Not only was Pennsylvania designed to be a safe haven for Quakers, it also was advertised heavily as a place for all to come, promising freedom of religion, land, and a representative government. As a result of delivering on these promises, it attracted many types of people, and built a cosmopolitan society. Obviously, many of the colonists that settled in the colony were Quakers, who sought to escape persecution in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and other areas. Many of these colonists were manual workers, and with masons, shoemakers, carpenters, and sharp businessmen, the economy of Pennsylvania was able to thrive. As the colony continued to develop, more Germans would immigrate to the area. The colony was, and still remains, religiously tolerant.
Political Features (10)
As a colony, Pennsylvania was extremely innovative when regarding political ideas as a result of its nature as an experiment for liberal ideas in government. With the Charter of Liberties, which was created in the late 1690's as a result of resistance to absolute power, a representative assembly was created that became a house for government; this was also extended to the lower colonies under Pennsylvania's control, namely Delaware. Its government was also separated from the church, and there was no tax-supported state church. Those who were able to participate in government were landowners, who were given the right to vote.
Economic Features (10)
Pennsylvania was not only a melting pot of different cultures and people, but also of agriculture and industry. While it possessed less industry than the New England Colonies, it had more than the Southern Colonies, thanks to its supplies of wood and its proximity to water, allowing for the growth of shipbuilding, lumbering, shipping, and commerce. Its booming commerce would eventually evolve into a massive amount of trading, and Philadelphia would soon become a major trading center in the world. Furthermore, its climate allowed it to perform exceptionally in agriculture; it was known as a part of the "Bread Colonies", the nation's largest suppliers of grain, and produced large amounts of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, while also producing some fruits and vegetables.