The climate was really cold in the 1600's. It was a little bit warmer than in the winter then it was back then. Winters are cold, but generally less extreme on the coast with high temperatures in the winter averaging above freezing even in January, although areas further inland are much colder. The entire state has cold winters and moderately warm summers. The Plymouth economy developed around trade in fish and furs. The sandy and rocky soil had made agriculture difficult, but basic crops were grown successfully.