Which year marks the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by the Puritans?

The founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by the Puritans occurred in 1630. This year is significant as a pivotal moment in early American history, marking the establishment of a colony that sought to create a community based on Puritan religious principles. The Puritans aimed to build a "city upon a hill," a society that would serve as a model of moral integrity and communal living.

In 1620, the Pilgrims established the Plymouth Colony, which is often confused with the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to its geographical proximity and similar religious motivations. The year 1625 does not represent any significant founding events related to these colonies, and 1649 is well after the establishment of the colony and is more associated with other historical developments. Thus, 1630 is the correct answer, as it directly correlates with the Puritan migration and the establishment of a structured government and community in the New World.