Known as Scheyichbi by the indigenous Lenape people, New Jersey’s early colonial history diverged significantly from that of its North American neighbors. Unlike other English colonies primarily defined by arbitrary, imaginary lines, New Jersey presented itself as a naturally distinct, almost island-like dominion, largely surrounded by water. This geographical seclusion offered a unique opportunity for independent development, setting it apart from the more conventionally bounded settlements of the 17th century.
One might have expected this secluded domain to become an immediate sanctuary for some dissatisfied religious sect seeking refuge from persecution. However, it was initially overlooked. The Puritans, for instance, chose the rugged, colder shores of *New England*, finding its stern landscape more reflective of their rigid religious convictions. It’s intriguing to ponder how different *American history* might have unfolded had they established their strict community under New Jersey’s milder skies, perhaps altering the course of social developments like witchcraft trials or the infamous blue laws.
Early Puritan Encounters and Enduring Influence
Despite their initial bypass, Puritans eventually cast their discerning eyes upon the Jerseys. Their established seafaring traditions and the pursuit of lucrative whaling routes led them down the coast and into Delaware Bay. The Puritans of the New Haven Colony, driven by ambitions of expansion and increased influence, attempted to establish a branch settlement in southern Jersey near present-day Salem on the Delaware River. Their strategic plan was to cultivate a more populous and powerful colony, eventually relocating their seat of government there.
However, this wise foresight came too late. The southern reaches of the *Delaware River* were already contested and occupied by Dutch and Swedish settlers who swiftly repelled the Puritan advance. While the Puritans failed to establish a dominant presence in the south, they successfully infiltrated northern Jersey. Though never numerous enough to mold it into an exclusively Puritan community, their fundamentalist ideas profoundly shaped the region’s early thought, governance, and legal framework, leaving an indelible mark that resonates even today.
Navigating New Jersey’s Challenging Geography
The geographic characteristics of *colonial New Jersey* posed significant initial hurdles for European settlement. Its extensive seacoast was a formidable barrier, characterized by a monotonous stretch of dangerous breakers, shallow inlets, and a scarcity of natural harbors. Inland, vast expanses of mosquito-infested salt marshes and dense sandy thickets dominated the landscape, especially in the southern regions.
Further complicating matters, the interior varied dramatically; the southern half was largely a level, heavily forested, sandy, and swampy country, while the northern portions were decidedly rough and mountainous. Even the entrance via Delaware Bay, despite offering a potential gateway, was notoriously tricky due to its intricate shoals. Consequently, this section of the coast was among the last to be thoroughly explored, establishing the *New Jersey* and Delaware region as a less accessible
