I always think about settlers when it comes to climate.
When was it common knowledge that the further north you go, the colder the climate? It could be an obvious thing that humanity knew for thousands of years.....or people's scope could have been so small that they had no idea until the last few hundred, right? (yes yes, only in the northern hemisphere)
But if you're settling in VA or MA, you know the winters aren't harsh further south, right?!?! Were mosquitos and swamps simply deal-breakers?
It just seems stupid to me that you set up shop having experienced a New England winter and then decide to stay put. WTF?!?