Early History of New Jersey
New Jersey, one of the original thirteen colonies of the United States, has a rich history of European settlement dating back to the early 17th century. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the land was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lenape. The first Europeans who explored and settled in New Jersey were the Dutch and the Swedes, followed by the British.
Paleo-Indians and Archaic Period
The earliest known inhabitants of the land that would become New Jersey were the Paleo-Indians, who arrived around 10,000 B.C. during the Ice Age. During the Archaic Period (8000 B.C. – 1000 B.C.), the people who lived in what is now New Jersey were semi-nomadic hunters and gatherers who relied on the abundance of natural resources in the region.
The Lenape Native Americans
The Lenape were the Native American tribe that lived in what is now New Jersey when the Europeans arrived. They had a complex social and political structure and were skilled hunters, fishermen, and farmers. The arrival of the Europeans, however, brought disease, war, and displacement, and the Lenape were gradually forced to cede their lands to the colonists.
Dutch Exploration and Settlement
The Dutch were the first Europeans to explore and settle in New Jersey. In 1613, they established a trading post on the southern tip of Manhattan Island, which they named New Amsterdam. They also established a trading post on the Delaware River, which they called Fort Nassau. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company was granted a charter to colonize the region, and they established New Netherland, which included present-day New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.
Swedish Trade and Colonization
The Swedes were the second group of Europeans to settle in New Jersey, after the Dutch. They established a trading post on the Delaware River in 1638, which they called Fort Christina. They also founded a colony called New Sweden, which included parts of present-day Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. The Swedes and the Dutch had a number of conflicts over control of the region, which eventually led to the Dutch taking over New Sweden in 1655.
British Takeover and Proprietary Rule
The British took control of New Netherland in 1664, renaming it New York, and the region that is now New Jersey became a part of the British colony. In 1674, the British granted the land to two proprietors, Sir George Carteret and John Berkeley, who established the colony of New Jersey. New Jersey became a royal colony in 1702, after years of conflict between the proprietors and the settlers.
West Jersey and East Jersey
The province of New Jersey was divided into two parts in 1676, West Jersey and East Jersey, each controlled by its own group of proprietors. West Jersey was largely settled by Quakers from England, who established a number of towns, including Burlington and Salem. East Jersey was settled by a mix of English, Scottish, and Dutch colonists, who established towns such as Perth Amboy and Elizabeth.
The Quakers in New Jersey
The Quakers played a significant role in the settlement of New Jersey, particularly in West Jersey. They were attracted by the religious tolerance and democratic principles that were promoted by the proprietors. The Quakers established a number of towns, schools, and meetinghouses, and they also played a key role in the abolitionist movement in the 18th and 19th centuries.
German Settlement in Colonial New Jersey
German immigrants began to settle in New Jersey in the early 18th century, particularly in the western part of the state. They established communities that were largely self-sufficient, relying on agriculture and crafts for their livelihoods. They also established a number of churches and schools that were conducted in German.
French Huguenot Impact on New Jersey
The French Huguenots were Protestant refugees who fled France to escape religious persecution in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Many of them settled in New Jersey, particularly in the southern part of the state. They established a number of communities, including New Paltz, which was settled by Huguenots from France.
Scottish and Irish Migration to New Jersey
Scottish and Irish immigrants began to settle in New Jersey in the early 18th century, particularly in the northern part of the state. They established communities that were based on agriculture and industry, and they also played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many Scots-Irish serving in the Continental Army.
Legacy of Early European Settlement in New Jersey
The early European settlement of New Jersey had a profound impact on the region, shaping its culture, politics, and economy. The legacy of this settlement can still be seen today in the state’s architecture, place names, and cultural traditions. The diverse groups that settled in New Jersey have contributed to its rich history and continue to shape its identity as a state.
