Who was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

The first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was John Winthrop. He played a crucial role in the early governance and development of the colony, which was established in 1630. Winthrop was a leading figure among the Puritan settlers and is perhaps best known for his vision of the colony as a "city upon a hill," a model of Christian community for others to emulate. His leadership helped shape the political and social structures of the colony during its formative years and provided a foundation for its success.

In contrast, Roger Williams was later involved in the establishment of Rhode Island, William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania and a proponent of Quaker ideals, and Lord Baltimore was associated with the founding of Maryland. Each of these figures had significant influence in their own right but did not serve as the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.