The Dutch in New Jersey

1. The Dutch in New Jersey

2. The Netherlands were amongst the first European countries to settle in the New World. Particularly the area we live in. The Netherlands hired British Explorer, Henry Hudson to explore the possible trading routes and lands in the New World.

3. The Dutch settled in areas along what is now known as the Hudson River and the Delaware River. They called their new home New Netherlands.

4. The early settlers traded with the Lenni Lenape Indians for beaver skins. They were more concerned with setting up trading posts than they were with colonization.

5. The Dutch found themselves building forts along the Delaware in both Philadelphia and New Jersey.

6. In 1664 the English came and claimed the New Netherlands from the Dutch Settlers. New Jersey in particular was divided between two noblemen of England. Sir Carteret governed the Eastern province of New Jersey and Lord Berkeley governed the Western province. The colony was named New Jersey after the British Isle of Jersey.

7. General George Washington honored the early Dutch settlers by using their colors for New Jersey’s flag as well as his own uniform.