How did New England's rocky terrain affect the colonists who lived there?

Determined their food supply and economy.

The rocky terrain made it difficult to farm. Also the economy needed to be based on the resources available so goods could be exchanged for other food items needed. Initial settlers were taught how to grow some crops indigenous to the region, but mostly the people relied on fishing for food. Industries grew out of the forests and sea creating lumber industries, fishing, whaling, and trade center to exchange goods.