A Seventeenth-Century Exodus: The Great Migration and Religious Diversity in Colonial New England

The Puritan Migration - Courtesy of J.L.G Ferris

The seventeenth century marked a pivotal era in American history when waves of European settlers embarked on a journey to the New World in search of religious freedom and economic opportunities. Among these settlers, the Puritans played a prominent role in shaping the religious landscape of New England. This article briefly delves into the phenomenon known as "The Great Migration" and its profound impact on religious diversity in Colonial New England during the seventeenth century.

The Great Migration: A Quest for Religious Freedom

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of Puritans from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and surrounding regions between 1620 and 1640. These Puritan migrants sought to escape religious persecution and establish a society based on their strict interpretation of Protestant Christianity.

Plymouth Colony - Courtesy of Britannica

One of the defining features of the Great Migration was the diversity of religious beliefs and sects among the Puritans. While often grouped under the generalized term "Puritan," these settlers held varying theological views and affiliations. The diversity within Puritanism itself contributed significantly to religious pluralism in New England.

Plymouth Colony: The Pilgrims' Quest for Separation

The Great Migration began with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The Pilgrims, who were a distinct group from the Puritans, sought complete separation from the Church of England. Their desire for religious autonomy led to the drafting of the Mayflower Compact, which established a form of self-governance with a focus on religious and civil freedom.

The Pilgrims' commitment to separatism and religious autonomy set an early precedent for religious diversity in New England. They welcomed settlers of various religious backgrounds, including non-Puritans, creating a religiously heterogeneous community within Plymouth Colony.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony: A Puritan Haven

The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded by John Winthrop and other Puritan leaders in 1630, represented a more cohesive Puritan community. However, even within this colony, religious diversity was evident. Although united in their desire to purify the Church of England, the Puritans had theological differences that manifested in various congregational practices.

Massachusetts Bay Colony - Courtesy of National Parks Service

Establishing the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a haven for Puritans encouraged more Puritan congregations and leaders to migrate to the region. These settlers brought their unique interpretations of religious doctrine, forming numerous congregations and churches, each with its own distinctive beliefs and practices.

Roger Williams and the Quest for Religious Liberty

Figures like Roger Williams significantly influenced the concept of religious diversity in New England. Williams, a Puritan minister, arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631 but soon clashed with the religious authorities due to his radical beliefs. Williams argued for the separation of church and state and the absolute freedom of conscience in matters of religion.

Roger Williams Courtesy of Brittanica

His dissenting views led to his banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and he went on to found the colony of Rhode Island in 1636. Rhode Island became a beacon of religious tolerance, where settlers of various faiths, including Baptists, Quakers, and Jews, found refuge. Roger Williams's commitment to religious liberty made Rhode Island a model for religious diversity and tolerance in early America.

Anne Hutchinson: A Voice for Religious Dissent

Anne Hutchinson - Courtesy of National Parks Service

Anne Hutchinson, another influential figure during this period, challenged the religious orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. A charismatic and rebellious figure, Hutchinson held meetings in her home to critique the established ministers' teachings and emphasize the individual's direct relationship with God.

Hutchinson's unorthodox beliefs and charismatic following posed a threat to the religious authorities in Massachusetts. In 1637, she was put on trial and subsequently banished from the colony. Hutchinson, like Roger Williams, sought refuge in Rhode Island, where she continued to advocate for religious freedom and diversity.

Religious Diversity Beyond New England

The Great Migration contributed to religious diversity within New England and extended beyond its borders. Connecticut, for instance, became home to a diverse array of religious groups, including Congregationalists, Baptists, and Anglicans. In 1639, the colony adopted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the earliest written constitutions in America and one of the first in the world that emphasized religious freedom and tolerance.

Courtesy of Connecticut State Digital Library

The Great Migration of the seventeenth century played a pivotal role in shaping religious diversity in New England and laid the foundations for the broader concept of religious freedom in America. The Puritans' quest for religious autonomy and dissenting voices like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson created an environment where religious diversity and tolerance thrived.

The legacy of the Great Migration extends beyond New England, influencing the development of religious pluralism in the United States. As the seventeenth century gave way to subsequent centuries, the principles of religious freedom and diversity established during this period continued to shape the nation's evolving religious landscape, making it a cornerstone of American identity.

Sources for Further Reading

Andrews, Charles McLean. The Colonial Period of American History: The Settlements. Yale University Press, 1934.

Anderson, Dejohn Anderson. New England's Generation: The Great Migration and the Formation of Society and Culture in the Seventeenth Century. Cambridge University Press, 1992.

Philbrick, Nathaniel. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War. Penguin, 2006.

Bradford, William. Of Plymouth Plantation. Modern Library, 1952.

Miller, Perry. The New England Mind. Harvard University Press, 1939.

Barry, John M. Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty. Penguin, 2012.

Williams, Roger. The Bloody Tenant of Persecution for Cause of Conscience Discussed. Edited by Richard J. Boles. Mercer University Press, 2001.

LaPlante, Eve. American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman Who Defied the Puritans. HarperCollins, 2004.

Hall, David D. Worlds of Wonder, Days of Judgment: Popular Religious Belief in Early New England. Harvard University Press, 1989.

Hall, David D. "The Faithful Shepherd: A History of the New England Ministry in the Seventeenth Century