The region was originally inhabited by Algonquin Indigenous peoples, including the Abenakis, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Pequots, Mohegans, Narragansetts, Pocumtucks, and Wampanoag.

[13] The region was first settled by European colonists from the Mayflower as part of the Plymouth Company in 1620.

The region has seen many different waves of immigration since 1620, creating a unique and diverse culture.

New Englanders have played a prominent role in the colonial and modern history of the United States, from political dynasties[14] to influential artists and writers.

The region was named "New England" by English explorer John Smith in 1616.