What country claimed new jersey

A great question about the history of the Garden State!

New Jersey was originally claimed by the Dutch in the early 17th century. In 1609, the Dutch East India Company sent an expedition led by Henry Hudson to explore the Hudson River and the surrounding area. Hudson sailed up the river and claimed the area for the Dutch, naming it "Nieuw-Nederland" (New Netherland).

The Dutch West India Company, which was established in 1621, began to settle the area and establish trading posts and colonies. In 1623, the Dutch established the colony of New Netherland, which included present-day New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Delaware.

However, in 1664, the English sent an expedition led by Colonel Richard Nicolls to capture the colony from the Dutch. The English took control of New Netherland, and the Dutch surrendered the colony without a fight. The English renamed the colony "New York" after the Duke of York, later King James II.

New Jersey, which was part of the colony of New Netherland, was also claimed by the English. In 1664, the English established the Province of New Jersey, which was named after the Channel Island of Jersey, which was part of the English Channel. The province was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey, with the two colonies being governed separately.

Over time, the English and Dutch both claimed ownership of the land, leading to conflicts and disputes. The Dutch continued to maintain a presence in the area, and the English and Dutch fought several wars over the territory. The Treaty of Westminster in 1674 officially ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War and recognized English control over New Jersey.

So, to answer your question, both the Dutch and the English claimed New Jersey at different times in history!