10 facts of the middle colonies

In 1664 New Netherland was absorbed by the English and renamed New York. Most of the inhabitants stayed and helped to create the diversity in the city that remains today.

William Penn grew Pennsylvania to a population of nearly 9,000 people in the first five years. Philadelphia grew into a thriving city.

New York Colony was originally New Amsterdam (founded in 1626 by Peter Minuit) but became New York in 1664. It was named New York after the Duke of York, King James II's brother.

Delaware Colony was established in 1638 by Peter Minuit.

Pennsylvania was founded in 1682 by William Penn, after having been granted the land in 1680 by the king.

New Jersey Colony was established in 1664 by English colonists.

Delaware was named for the Delaware tribe, and for Lord de la Warr, an early Virginia governor. Pennsylvania was named for its founder William Penn and for the word 'sylvania' which means 'forest'. New Jersey was named after the English Isle of Jersey.