The Northeastern United States is one of the earliest areas of European settlement in North America and has played a central role in the nation’s history. Before European arrival, the region was home to numerous Native American tribes, each with distinct cultures, languages, and ways of life. The Iroquois, Wampanoag, Lenape, Abenaki, and many others lived in these lands for thousands of years, and their descendants remain an important part of the region today.

European exploration and colonization of the Northeast began in the early 17th century, with the establishment of settlements by the English, Dutch, French, and Swedish. The English colonies in particular grew rapidly and became influential in shaping what would later become the United States. Many pivotal moments of the American Revolution took place in the Northeast, from the Boston Tea Party to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

The culture of the region has long been influenced by its Native American roots, its colonial history, and waves of immigrants, particularly from Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Northeast is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic and political influence.

The states that make up this region are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.