The land was also home to a variety of Native American tribes, including the Lenape and the Iroquois. These tribes lived in small villages and relied on hunting, fishing, and farming for sustenance. The arrival of European settlers in the 17th century disrupted the Native American way of life, and many tribes were forced to move westward.
By the early 18th century, New Jersey was a thriving colony. The population was growing rapidly, and the economy was based on agriculture, trade, and shipbuilding. The state was also becoming a popular destination for religious refugees, who were seeking freedom from persecution.
In the mid-18th century, New Jersey played a key role in the American Revolution. The state was home to several important battles, and many of its residents fought for independence from Great Britain. After the war, New Jersey became one of the original thirteen states of the United States.