The Middle Colonies were a part of the former Thirteen Colonies of the 18th century. They consisted of the future states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and sometimes Maryland. The middle colonies were the most ethinically and religously diverse of the 13 original colonies because they were also the most tolerant. They had more agriculture than the New England colony. The Middle Colonies were also known as the "bread basket" colonies because of their large grain export. Today these areas are described as the Mid-Atlantic States.