What Was the Weather Like in the New England Colonies? And Why Did the Cows Wear Sunglasses?

The weather in the New England Colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries was as unpredictable as a politician’s promises. The region, encompassing present-day Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, experienced a climate that was both a blessing and a curse for the early settlers. The weather patterns were influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the Appalachian Mountains, and the jet stream, creating a unique blend of conditions that shaped daily life, agriculture, and even fashion choices—like the mysterious case of cows wearing sunglasses.

The Four Seasons: A Rollercoaster of Extremes

New England’s weather was characterized by four distinct seasons, each with its own quirks and challenges. Winters were long, harsh, and bitterly cold, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing. Snowstorms were frequent, and the accumulation of snow could be so severe that it buried entire houses, leading to the invention of the first snow shovels—tools that would later become symbols of New England resilience.

Spring, on the other hand, was a time of renewal and mud. The melting snow created a slushy, muddy landscape that made travel nearly impossible. Farmers eagerly awaited the thaw, as it signaled the start of the planting season. However, the unpredictable spring weather could bring late frosts, which were devastating to crops. This led to the development of early greenhouses, where settlers could protect their plants from the whims of Mother Nature.

Summers in New England were relatively short but could be intensely hot and humid. The heat was often accompanied by thunderstorms, which provided much-needed rain for crops but also posed a risk of lightning strikes and flooding. The humidity made life uncomfortable, especially in the days before air conditioning, and it was during this time that the infamous New England “stickiness” became a topic of conversation—and complaint.

Autumn was perhaps the most beloved season, with its crisp air, vibrant foliage, and bountiful harvests. The cooler temperatures were a welcome relief after the summer heat, and the fall harvest was a time of celebration. However, autumn also brought the threat of early frosts, which could damage crops before they were fully harvested. This led to the tradition of “frost fairs,” where communities would come together to harvest crops quickly before the first frost.

The Impact on Agriculture: A Game of Chance

The unpredictable weather had a profound impact on agriculture in the New England Colonies. Farmers had to be adaptable, growing a variety of crops to ensure that at least some would survive the harsh conditions. Corn, beans, and squash—known as the “Three Sisters”—were staple crops that thrived in the region’s climate. Wheat, barley, and rye were also grown, though they were more susceptible to the vagaries of the weather.

Livestock farming was another important aspect of colonial agriculture, and here is where the story of the cows wearing sunglasses comes into play. The intense summer sun could be harmful to the eyes of livestock, leading to a condition known as “snow blindness” in cows. To protect their valuable animals, some farmers began fashioning crude sunglasses out of leather and glass. These early attempts at animal eyewear were not only practical but also became a quirky symbol of New England ingenuity.

The Role of Weather in Daily Life

The weather influenced nearly every aspect of daily life in the New England Colonies. Clothing was designed to provide warmth in the winter and breathability in the summer. Homes were built with steeply pitched roofs to shed snow and large fireplaces to provide heat. The weather also played a role in social activities, with winter sports like ice skating and sledding becoming popular pastimes.

Religion and superstition were also intertwined with the weather. Many colonists believed that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or droughts, were signs of divine displeasure. This led to days of fasting and prayer, as well as the development of weather-related folklore. For example, it was said that if a cow refused to wear its sunglasses, a storm was surely on the way.

The Legacy of New England Weather

The weather in the New England Colonies left a lasting legacy on the region’s culture and identity. The harsh conditions fostered a spirit of resilience and adaptability that became a defining characteristic of New Englanders. The region’s weather also influenced its economy, with industries like shipbuilding and fishing thriving in the coastal areas, where the weather was more moderate.

Today, the weather in New England remains as unpredictable as ever, with nor’easters, heatwaves, and the occasional hurricane keeping residents on their toes. The tradition of cows wearing sunglasses may have faded into obscurity, but the legacy of New England’s weather—and the ingenuity it inspired—lives on.

Related Q&A

Q: Why were winters in the New England Colonies so harsh? A: Winters in the New England Colonies were harsh due to the region’s northern latitude and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The cold air from Canada combined with moisture from the ocean to create heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Q: How did the weather affect the economy of the New England Colonies? A: The weather had a significant impact on the economy, particularly in agriculture. Farmers had to adapt to the unpredictable climate by growing a variety of crops and raising livestock. The weather also influenced industries like shipbuilding and fishing, which were less dependent on favorable growing conditions.

Q: What were some of the ways colonists adapted to the harsh weather? A: Colonists adapted to the harsh weather by building sturdy homes with steep roofs and large fireplaces, wearing layered clothing, and developing agricultural practices that could withstand the unpredictable climate. They also created social traditions, like frost fairs, to cope with the challenges of the weather.

Q: Is there any truth to the story of cows wearing sunglasses in the New England Colonies? A: While there is no definitive historical evidence of cows wearing sunglasses in the New England Colonies, the story is likely a humorous exaggeration of the lengths to which farmers would go to protect their livestock from the elements. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the early settlers.