<P> On April 10 , 1606 , King James I of England issued two charters , one each for the Virginia Companies , of London and Plymouth , respectively . Due to a duplication of territory ( between Chesapeake Bay and Long Island Sound ) , the two companies were required to maintain a separation of 100 miles ( 160 km ) , even where the two charters overlapped . The London Company was authorized to make settlements from North Carolina to New York ( 31 to 41 degrees North Latitude ) , provided there was no conflict with the Plymouth Company 's charter . The purpose of both was to claim land for England and trade . </P>
near what geographic feature were most of the early settlements in new england started
Chesapeake Bay and Long Island Sound