New Jersey’s Early Inhabitants

The land that is now New Jersey was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Lenape and the Delaware, who lived there for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

European Exploration and Colonization

In 1609, Dutch explorer Henry Hudson claimed the region for the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch established a trading post in 1624 and named the area New Netherland. In 1664, the English seized control and renamed it New Jersey after the Channel Island of Jersey, honoring Sir George Carteret. Princeton University was founded in 1746.

Iconic painting of Washington and men crossing the Delaware River - Leutze (1858)

New Jersey in the American Revolution

New Jersey was a key location during the American Revolution, hosting important battles like Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth Courthouse. The state played a vital role in the fight for independence.

A Video on Washington's Crossing from the American Battlefield Trust

Statehood and Industrial Growth

New Jersey became the third state to ratify the Constitution in 1787. During the 19th century, it rapidly industrialized, producing iron, textiles, and machinery.

20th Century Innovation and Modern Era

In the 20th century, New Jersey became a hub for technology and manufacturing, giving the world the motion picture camera and the first electronic computer. Today, it remains a center of business, finance, and cultural heritage, with landmarks like Liberty State Park, the Old Barracks Museum, and Morristown National Historical Park.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the geography of New Jersey influence its role in the American Revolution?
2. Why was New Jersey an attractive location for early industrialization?
3. What contributions did New Jersey make to technological advancements in the 20th century?
4. How does New Jersey’s colonial history still influence its culture today?

Glossary

• Lenape: A Native American tribe that originally inhabited New Jersey.
• New Netherland: The Dutch colony that included parts of present-day New Jersey.
• Ratify: To formally approve and make valid, such as a law or agreement.
• Industrialization: The development of industries on a large scale in a country or region.

New Jersey History Timeline

• Pre-1600s: Lenape and Delaware tribes inhabit the region.
• 1609: Henry Hudson claims the area for the Dutch.
• 1624: Dutch establish a trading post; area becomes New Netherland.
• 1664: English seize the colony and rename it New Jersey.
• 1746: Princeton University founded.
• 1776: Battles of Trenton and Princeton during the Revolution.
• 1787: New Jersey ratifies the U.S. Constitution (third state).
• 1800s: Rapid industrialization begins; iron and textiles produced.
• 1834: Completion of the Morris Canal, boosting trade.
• 1864: Thomas Edison’s laboratories open in Menlo Park.
• 1893: Motion picture camera developed by Edison.
• 1946: First electronic computer, ENIAC, developed (with NJ ties).
• 1976: Liberty State Park established.
• Present: New Jersey remains a center for business and culture.