What was New Jersey called before New Jersey?
What was New Jersey called before New Jersey?
Imagine peeling back the layers of time, like an archaeologist dusting off ancient treasures, only this time, the treasure is a well-known state with a history as rich as a layered cake. Yes, I’m talking about New Jersey. Before it donned the name we proudly recognize today, what was New Jersey called? Was it just “the place between New York and Philadelphia," or did it have a real name? Let’s journey into the history of New Jersey's name and uncover what was beneath the label "New Jersey" — with a narrative punch inspired by Steve Jobs storytelling and SEO savvy worthy of Neil Patel.
The Original Names: From Native Roots to European Eyes
New Jersey's story starts long before Europeans set foot—a story rooted in imagination, cultural intersections, and, frankly, a bit of colonial confusion.
Lenape Land: Before any European explorers, the land was inhabited for thousands of years by the Lenape people, who called the area Scheyichbi or simply “the land of the people.” Their deep connection with the land defined the area’s true original identity.
New Netherland: Enter the age of exploration. The Dutch arrived in the early 1600s, laying claim to parts of what is now New Jersey as part of the territory they called New Netherland. The Dutch concentrated mostly along the Delaware River and the western side of the Hudson River, including modern-day areas around Woodbridge Township, NJ, which became important early European settlements.
New Sweden: Swedish explorers briefly competed with the Dutch in mid-17th century, establishing a small colony named New Sweden on the Delaware River. The competition for land led to shifting control between the Swedes, Dutch, and eventually the British.
How Did It Become New Jersey?
Fast forward to 1664. The English kicked out the Dutch with very little military effort (no epic battle scenes here, sadly). King Charles II granted the land between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers to his loyalists, the brothers Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carteret.
Here’s the insider scoop: The name “New Jersey” is a direct homage to the Isle of Jersey, an island in the English Channel that Sir George Carteret once governed. So, before being "New Jersey," this swath of land was known by:
Different native names referencing the Lenape heritage
Colonial names reflecting Dutch and Swedish ambitions: New Netherland and New Sweden
And for a short period, it was a patchwork of territories eyed by major European powers, none calling it “New Jersey” until Carteret and Berkeley stamped their mark.
Woodbridge Township: A Case Study in New Jersey’s Colonial Identity
All this history isn’t just abstract. Woodbridge Township, NJ, established in 1669, is among the oldest American townships and a perfect example of New Jersey’s colonial evolution. It was the first township officially chartered in New Jersey and has roots that reach back into those early days when the state was still something else entirely.
Founded by settlers drawn by the promise of fertile land and strategic riverside geography.
Became a focal point for trade and governance under English rule.
A surviving testament to how New Jersey grew from scattered colonial outposts into a structured society.
Key Points – What Was New Jersey Called?
If you’re skimming (we love you, skimmers, Google loves you most), here’s the quick snapshot answer for featured snippet SEO:
Lenape Land (Scheyichbi) – Native American name before European colonization.
New Netherland – Dutch colonial territory before English takeover.
New Sweden – Brief Swedish colonial presence along the Delaware River.
Province of New Jersey – Named after the Isle of Jersey by English proprietors in 1664.
Pretty neat, right? It wasn't just a sudden rename; it was a tapestry of cultures, claims, and changes.
Why Does The History of New Jersey’s Name Matter Today?
Understanding the history of New Jersey’s name isn’t just trivia. It:
Instills pride and context in residents and history buffs.
Helps us comprehend the complex colonial struggles that shaped the Mid-Atlantic region.
Explains why towns like Woodbridge Township, NJ, look and feel the way they do, combining Dutch, English, and indigenous influences.
Moreover, it shines a light on how names influence identity. Calling a place “New Jersey” wasn’t random—it was a claim of loyalty and governance, tying the new colony directly back to its English roots. This fusion of identities created the patchwork that is modern New Jersey.
Fun Historical Nuggets You Didn’t Know
The Dutch originally called the area Achter Kol, meaning "behind the ridge," reflecting the geography from their perspective in New Amsterdam (now New York).
New Sweden was so short-lived (1638-1655) they didn’t even have time to bake a proper identity—yet their legacy still lingers in place names and early pioneer traditions.
Woodbridge Township is often overlooked but was once the booming center for colonial trade, thanks to its location near key waterways.
FAQs: What Was New Jersey Called Before It Was New Jersey?
Q1: Was New Jersey always part of the English colonies?
Nope. It was first settled by Native Americans, then briefly controlled by Dutch and Swedish powers before coming under English control in 1664.
Q2: Where does the name "Jersey" come from?
From the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel, the home island of Sir George Carteret, a royal governor and English proprietor.
Q3: What indigenous people lived in New Jersey first?
The Lenape tribe, who had longstanding settlements across the region.
Q4: How did the early township of Woodbridge, NJ, impact New Jersey’s development?
Woodbridge’s establishment as the first township chartered in 1669 set administrative precedents and became a hub for trade and governance.
The Big Takeaway for History Lovers and SEO Seekers
New Jersey’s name and identity evolved through a fascinating journey of native lineage, European colonial rivalries, and strategic renaming with English monarchic ties. Knowing this, we not only appreciate the story but also understand why historical roots matter in shaping modern places — including favorite towns like Woodbridge Township.
If you want to dive deeper, explore local museums in Woodbridge Township or historical archives. They’ll let you touch physical artifacts from these varied eras, bridging the gap between now and then.
If you enjoyed this historical expedition and want more insights about New Jersey’s rich heritage or real estate tips in Woodbridge Township, why not engage? 🤔 Comment below your favorite fact or share this blog with friends who love history or are curious about the Garden State’s origins.
📞 Contact: Yousuf Syed
📍 Title: Realtor
📲 Phone: 732-754-2541
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://homesbyyousuf.com
Unlock history, find your home — the story begins here.
