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Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Virtual Tour Detail

Puritans and the Charter

Why is the Massachusetts Charter Important?

The 1629 royal Charter established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Under the Charter, a three-branch government began to take form and elections were held by secret ballot–two important steps in developing American Democracy.

Why do we have the Charter?

Puritan investors obtained the Charter for a new colony. Seeking religious freedom, they plotted to escape the King's power. By taking thye Charter with them on the ship Arbella they made it difficult to revoke. It has remained in Massachusetts since 1630.