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The Mills and Ironworks of the Middle Colonies — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.6.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging U.S. History reading passage explores the vital role that mills and ironworks played in the growth of the Middle Colonies. Students will learn how colonists in places like Pennsylvania and New York used water-powered mills to grind grain and saw lumber, helping their communities thrive. The passage details how ironworks supplied tools, nails, and other metal goods, fueling trade and building strong towns. Through simple cause-and-effect storytelling, students discover how teamwork, problem-solving, and the use of natural resources helped shape early America. Key vocabulary is highlighted, and the passage is supported by a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline. A public domain historical image and a prompt for a coloring page are included. The passage aligns with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.6.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2 standards. Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided for accessibility. This resource is perfect for classroom use, supporting both history and literacy skill development.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Jacob van Ruisdael - Water mill near a farm — "Water mill near a farm" by Jacob van Ruisdael / Wikimedia Commons.

The Middle Colonies became centers of manufacturing during colonial times. Colonists in places like Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware found many natural resources in their land. Thick forests gave them wood. Rivers and waterfalls offered power. Rich soil grew plenty of wheat and other crops.

People in the Middle Colonies built flour mills near waterfalls. The falling water turned large wooden wheels, called waterwheels. These wheels powered heavy stone grinders inside the mills. Farmers brought their wheat to be ground into flour. The flour was packed in barrels and sold not just in the colonies, but also across the Atlantic Ocean. Middle Colonies flour became famous in Europe and the Caribbean.

Lumber mills also used waterpower. Workers cut down trees from the forests. They floated logs down rivers to the mills. At the mills, waterwheels powered saws that cut the logs into boards. These boards were used to build houses, ships, and furniture. The lumber industry helped towns grow and made trade possible with other colonies and countries.

The Middle Colonies also had important ironworks. Ironworkers used iron ore found in the ground. They heated the ore in large, hot furnaces. The iron was shaped into tools, nails, horseshoes, and pots. These products were needed by farmers, builders, and everyone in the colonies.

Because of these industries, towns and cities grew quickly. Workers moved to these places for jobs. Markets and ports were built for shipping goods. Families earned money by selling flour, lumber, and iron. Trade brought wealth and new people from many backgrounds.

Waterfalls and rivers were very important. Without waterpower, the mills and ironworks would not have worked. The natural resources and the hard work of the colonists made the Middle Colonies strong and successful. The products made here traveled far across the world and helped the colonies connect with other countries.

Manufacturing in the Middle Colonies was a result of using what nature provided and finding smart ways to solve problems. The teamwork of people, the power of water, and the rich land helped these colonies grow into important economic centers.

Interesting Fact: Some flour mills in the Middle Colonies could grind more than 100 barrels of flour in a single day!

What powered the mills?

Waterfalls and riversHorsesWindSteam engines

What did lumber mills produce?

FlourBoards for buildingIron potsCloth

Which colonies are included in the Middle Colonies?

Pennsylvania, New YorkVirginia, GeorgiaMaine, New HampshireSouth Carolina, Florida

Why did towns grow near mills?

For jobs in millsFor fishingFor gold miningFor farming cotton

How did the ironworks help colonists?

Made tools and nailsBuilt houses onlyGrew cropsSent letters

What was one result of trade?