Which colony was described by its first governor as a 'city on a hill'?

Which colony was described by its first governor as a 'city on a hill'?

• A. Massachusetts Bay
• B. Plymouth
• C. Virginia
• D. New Hampshire

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the belief in building a model community that serves as a beacon for others. John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, expressed this vision in his 1630 sermon aboard the Arbella, describing the settlers as a “city upon a hill.” He urged the colony to create a godly, united society governed by shared covenant and charity, so that their success and virtue would be visible to the world and inspire imitation. This association between Winthrop and a colony meant to stand out as an example is why Massachusetts Bay is the best match. Plymouth, Virginia, and New Hampshire each have distinct founding stories that do not center on this famous image from Winthrop’s sermon, so they aren’t tied to the phrase in the way Massachusetts Bay is.

The idea being tested is the belief in building a model community that serves as a beacon for others. John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, expressed this vision in his 1630 sermon aboard the Arbella, describing the settlers as a “city upon a hill.” He urged the colony to create a godly, united society governed by shared covenant and charity, so that their success and virtue would be visible to the world and inspire imitation. This association between Winthrop and a colony meant to stand out as an example is why Massachusetts Bay is the best match. Plymouth, Virginia, and New Hampshire each have distinct founding stories that do not center on this famous image from Winthrop’s sermon, so they aren’t tied to the phrase in the way Massachusetts Bay is.