The document summarizes the original 13 colonies of British America, including the dates of settlement, founding purposes, and governance structures. It describes that Virginia was founded in 1607 as the first successful English colony, while Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland were founded as places for religious freedom. The other colonies - New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Georgia - were established throughout the 17th century for various economic and political purposes. Most eventually became royal colonies ruled directly by the British crown.