New Jersey's history dates back to the early 1600s when it was first explored by the Dutch and later settled by the English. The state was named after the island of Jersey in the English Channel. It played a significant role during the American Revolution, serving as a battleground for many key events, including the famous Battle of Trenton. In the 19th century, New Jersey became an industrial hub, with cities like Paterson and Camden leading in manufacturing. The state also contributed to the development of transportation, with the construction of railroads and highways, which helped connect it to major cities like New York and Philadelphia.