Which region of the American colonies had the highest literacy rate?

The New England colonies had the highest literacy rate among the American colonies due to several key factors. One significant aspect was the strong emphasis placed on education by Puritan settlers, who believed in the importance of reading the Bible and fostering a literate citizenry. This led to the establishment of schools and educational institutions early on, particularly in Massachusetts, where laws mandated the creation of schools in towns.

Furthermore, the New England colonies' relatively homogenous population and close-knit communities facilitated the spread of literacy. Towns often supported local schools, and literacy was seen as both a social expectation and a civic duty. Consequently, more resources were directed towards education, resulting in higher rates of literacy compared to other regions.

In contrast, the Southern Colonies had a more agrarian economy with less emphasis on formal education, especially outside of the plantation elite. The Middle Colonies, while diverse and also promoting education, did not reach the same levels of literacy as New England. The Western Territories were less developed during the time, with limited access to educational resources, leading to lower literacy rates overall. Thus, the combination of philosophical, social, and economic factors contributed to New England's dominance in literacy rates among the colonies.