New England is a historic and culturally distinct region in the Northeastern United States, made up of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Bordered by New York to the west, Quebec and New Brunswick to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine to the east, it is one of the most scenic and historically significant areas of the country. To the southwest lies Long Island Sound, connecting the region to the greater New York metropolitan area. Together, these six states form a region rich in natural beauty, history, and innovation.
Boston, the largest city in New England and the capital of Massachusetts, is the region’s cultural and economic hub. The broader Greater Boston area which includes Worcester, Providence, and Manchester – contains more than half of New England’s total population. This metropolitan zone links major educational institutions, industries, and seaports that define New England’s identity. Worcester stands as the second-largest city, while Providence serves as the capital and cultural heart of Rhode Island. Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, anchors the northern section of the Greater Boston corridor.
New England’s history is deeply connected to the early development of the United States. In 1620, the Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony, one of the first successful English settlements in North America. Just a decade later, the Puritans established Massachusetts Bay Colony, laying the foundation for the region’s growth. Over the next century, settlers fought in multiple colonial conflicts known as the French and Indian Wars, which eventually led to English dominance in the region. By the mid-18th century, New England became a center of resistance to British rule, home to the Boston Tea Party and other early acts of rebellion that sparked the American Revolution.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, New England played a crucial role in shaping the new nation. Its leaders were influential in the independence movement, and later, the region became an early center of abolitionism and industrial growth. The Industrial Revolution began here, powered by the rivers of the Blackstone and Merrimack Valleys, where mills and factories transformed the economy. Many of the region’s early innovations in education, politics, and technology continue to influence American life today.
The geography of New England is diverse and visually striking. The southern areas feature coastal plains and sandy shores, while the western and northern regions rise into the Appalachian Mountains and their rolling foothills. Rivers such as the Connecticut River flow from north to south, dividing the region and providing early industrial power. Forests, lakes, and mountains make New England a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing in Vermont to beach vacations along Maine’s rugged coastline.
New England’s governance and community life reflect a long tradition of local democracy. Most areas are organized into small towns governed by public meetings, with only limited unincorporated land in parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This system creates a strong sense of civic participation and regional pride. The region’s culture blends old and new with roots in Puritan values of independence and education, yet open to diversity, innovation, and modern thought.
Today, New England remains one of America’s most distinctive and admired regions. It offers historic cities, world-class universities, mountain resorts, coastal villages, and natural beauty that attract millions of visitors each year. From the fall foliage of Vermont to the harbors of Maine and the energy of Boston, New England embodies a unique balance of tradition, progress, and community. Explore each state on our interactive New England map to discover cities, towns, attractions, and landscapes that define this remarkable part of the United States.