NEW JERSEY STATE - New Jersey, the "Garden State," boasts a rich history that predates its agricultural fame. While often overshadowed by its neighbors, New York and Pennsylvania, New Jersey's story begins with the arrival of European settlers, seeking new opportunities and a foothold in the New World. The first lasting mark they left was in a place called Bergen.
Bergen: The First European Foothold in New Jersey
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Lenape people thrived in the region, calling it "Scheyichbi." However, the arrival of Henry Hudson in 1609, sailing for the Dutch East India Company, marked a turning point. Hudson's exploration of the region opened the door for Dutch claims and subsequent settlement.
While initial attempts at settlement were scattered and temporary, a more permanent presence took root in 1660 with the establishment of Bergen. Located in what is now Jersey City, Bergen was strategically positioned across the Hudson River from New Amsterdam (present-day Manhattan). This allowed the Dutch to control trade and exert influence in the region.
Bergen was more than just a trading post; it was a planned community. The Dutch West India Company, eager to attract settlers, offered land grants and incentives. The village was laid out in a grid pattern, with a central market square and fortifications for defense. This organized structure reflected the Dutch approach to colonization and their desire to create a thriving settlement.
The early years of Bergen were not without challenges. Conflicts with the Lenape, competition with the English, and internal disputes within the Dutch colony created a volatile environment. However, Bergen persevered, becoming a center of Dutch influence in New Jersey.
The Dutch hold on Bergen, and New Netherland as a whole, would eventually come to an end in 1664 when the English seized control of the region. Despite this change in power, Bergen continued to thrive, its Dutch heritage influencing its culture and development.
Today, Bergen Square in Jersey City stands as a reminder of this early settlement. While the original village has long since been absorbed into the urban landscape, its legacy endures. Bergen's establishment marked the beginning of European settlement in New Jersey, laying the foundation for the diverse and dynamic state we know today.
Exploring the history of Bergen offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of early colonists, the interactions between European powers and Native American tribes, and the enduring impact of these early encounters on the development of New Jersey. It's a story of ambition, resilience, and the lasting legacy of those who first dared to call New Jersey home.
