By Tim Lambert

At first life was hard and rough in the North American colonies. However by the early 18th century people in the American colonies lived in houses as comfortable as those in Europe. Wealthy people had finely carved furniture, wallpaper, china, silver and crystal and chairs were common. In 1742 Benjamin Franklin invented a kind of metal stove.

Of course, for the poor things were different. Their houses were often small and crowded and their furniture was basic. They could not afford luxuries like silver but some ordinary people had pewter, which was sometimes called poor man's silver.

On the frontier in the 18th century life was very rough and people often lived in log cabins.

Food and Drink in Colonial America

Beer and cider were common. For the wealthy wine and brandy were imported. For ordinary people rum became a popular drink in the late 17th century. In the 18th century tea became popular. People also drank chocolate. The first chocolate factory in America opened in 1765 in Massachusetts.

In the 18th century grains like rye, wheat and barley were grown. Colonists also grew vegetable like onions, turnips, parsnips and carrots. In the 18th century they grew potatoes. If meat was available stew was a popular meal. People in 18th century America also ate ice cream.

The history of food

Clothing in Colonial America

In the 18th century men wore breeches and stockings. They also wore waistcoats and frock coats. They wore linen shirts. Both men and women wore wigs and for men three-cornered hats were popular. Men wore buckled shoes.

Women wore stays (a bodice with strips of whalebone) and hooped petticoats under their dresses. However in the 18th century women did not wear panties. Fashionable women carried folding fans.

Fashion was very important for the wealthy but poor people's clothes changed very little.

The history of clothes

Work in Colonial America

Most people in North America lived by farming. It was back breaking work and usually lasted from dawn to dusk. However in the south by the 18th century great plantations existed alongside the many small farms.

In North America there were the same craftsmen found in Europe such as carpenters, coopers, tanners, millers and blacksmiths. There were also apothecaries who sold drugs.

By the 18th century most towns had specialized trades such as gunsmiths, locksmiths, clock and watch makers, silversmiths and cabinet makers.

In the north shipbuilding flourished in the 18th century and there were many shipwrights, caulkers, rope makers, block makers and sail makers.

By 1700 most towns also had a sawmill powered by water. In the North American colonies lumber was abundant. So were streams and rivers.

Recreation in Colonial America

Pastimes in 18th century North America were the same as those in Europe. Horse racing was popular. So was cock fighting. Bull baiting was also a popular 'sport'. A bull was chained to a post and dogs were trained to attack it.

Hunting and fishing were also common as a way of obtaining food as well as for fun.

Gambling was popular and people placed bets on games like cards, dice, skittles and shuffleboard. Billiards was also a popular game.

The history of games

Religion in Colonial America

In the early 18th century there was a great religious revival in the North American colonies. (Later it was given the name 'The Great Awakening'). Leading figures in the revival were William Tennent 1673-1745, a Scottish-Presbyterian preacher, Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758, a Congregationalist and John Davenport 1716-1757. The English preacher George Whitefield 1714-1770 also visited the colonies and won many converts.

Life in 17th Century Colonial New England

A history of Colonial America

A Timeline of Colonial America

A Brief Biography of Benjamin Franklin