What cities were founded by pilgrims fleeing religious persecution?

The correct answer is Plymouth, Boston, and Providence, as these cities were indeed founded by individuals and groups fleeing religious persecution, particularly during the early 17th century.

Plymouth was established in 1620 by the Pilgrims, a group of English Puritans seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. They aimed to create a community that reflected their beliefs and practices without the constraints imposed by the established church.

Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers who sought to create a "city upon a hill," a model community based on their religious ideals. These settlers were motivated by a desire to escape what they saw as the corruption of the Church of England and to establish a society rooted in their interpretations of Christianity.

Providence was established in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was expelled from Massachusetts due to his radical beliefs advocating for the separation of church and state and freedom of conscience. Williams founded Providence as a refuge for individuals seeking religious liberty.

Other choices contain cities that were not primarily founded with the intent of escaping religious persecution. For instance, while Philadelphia was founded by William Penn as a Quaker haven, it is not included in the selection of cities specifically established by the group identified in the question.