The Province of Massachusetts Bay was a British colony established in 1628. It included the present-day state of Massachusetts and parts of Maine and New Hampshire. The colony was known for its Puritan settlers, who sought religious freedom and established a theocratic government. In 1691, the province was merged with the Plymouth Colony to form the Province of Massachusetts Bay. It played a significant role in early American history, particularly during the American Revolution, as it was a center for revolutionary activities and ideas, including the famous Boston Tea Party.