The thirteen original colonies of America were divided into three main regions: the New England colonies, the Middle colonies, and the Southern colonies. The New England colonies, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, were known for their rocky soil and cold climate, which led to a focus on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. In contrast, the Middle colonies, such as New York and Pennsylvania, had fertile land and a more diverse economy, including agriculture and manufacturing. The Southern colonies, like Virginia and South Carolina, relied heavily on plantation agriculture, growing cash crops such as tobacco and rice, supported by enslaved labor.