Final answer:
The geographical feature that helped the New England colonists was the abundance of forests and waterways, which fostered a strong shipbuilding industry that formed the backbone of their maritime-based economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical feature that helped New England colonists was the region's abundant forests and waterways which facilitated shipbuilding. The New England colonies, facing long winters and rocky soil, were not ideal for agriculture on a large scale, which led the colonists to focus on other economic activities like fishing, whaling, and particularly, shipbuilding. This created a powerful maritime-based economy. Furthermore, shipbuilding boosted the local economy by providing steady employment for the disciplined, homegrown workforce, allowing the region to produce scores of oceangoing ships and the experienced crews necessary to sail them.
New England's ability to construct ships also played a significant role in shaping its architectural developments. With harsh winters, also known as the Little Ice Age, colonists adapted to local conditions through their building methods. They constructed houses with features like steeply pitched roofs, massive central chimneys, and large rooms, all of which helped them to remain comfortable and maintain economic activities during the long winter months.