In 1628, a company of Puritan settlers arrived at Salem, Massachusetts, seeking a new life free from the religious persecution they faced in England. Supporters of the Puritan movement believed in simplifying worship and emphasizing direct relationships with God, which clashed with the Church of England. They received a royal charter from King Charles I that allowed them to establish a self-governing colony. Led by John Endecott, the first governor of the settlement, the Puritans arrived on ships loaded with supplies and tools, ready to create a community aligned with their religious principles.

Salem grew rapidly, attracting others who shared similar beliefs and values. The settlers focused on agricultural development, trade, and establishing a government based on their interpretation of biblical law. The settlement encouraged the establishment of another Puritan stronghold in the New World, which later included Boston and other towns. Salem became known for its rigid adherence to Puritan ethics, which shaped the social and political landscape of the area.

The establishment of Salem represented both a religious haven for Puritans and a significant step in the expansion of English colonies in North America. The governance modeled here established many precedents for self-rule and community organization. The Puritan influence would lead to important discussions on governance and religious freedom in the ensuing years, especially as tensions with native tribes and dissident religious groups arose.