Cheasapeake Colonies

The Chesapeake Colonies refers to the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, later the Commonwealth of Virginia and Province of Maryland, later Maryland, both British colonies centered around the Chesapeake Bay.

These colonies, located on the eastern coast of North America were founded in the 17th century and economies were dependent on the Bay's rich fisheries, docking ships, and plantations. The cash crop of tobacco was especially important. The Bay's natural resources and utility as a shipping lane and port proved highly valuable.

They are sometimes considered part of the Southern Colonies. Maryland is sometimes considered part of the Middle Colonies.

See also

• Thirteen Colonies
• Middle Colonies
• Southern Colonies