What was one of the primary economic activities in the New England Colonies?

Shipbuilding was one of the primary economic activities in the New England Colonies due to the region's abundant forests and its location along the Atlantic Ocean. The availability of timber from these forests allowed colonists to construct ships, which were crucial for trade, fishing, and naval defense. The shipbuilding industry not only provided employment for many colonists but also facilitated the export of goods and cultural exchange with other regions, greatly contributing to the economic growth of New England.

While agriculture played a role in the economy, the rocky terrain and shorter growing season in New England made large-scale farming less viable compared to other colonies, such as those in the Chesapeake or the Southern Colonies. Mining was not a significant economic activity in New England, as the region lacked abundant mineral resources, and while manufacturing existed, it was not as pronounced or central to the economy as shipbuilding during this period.