The middle colonies included Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. Advantaged by their central location, the middle colonies served as important distribution centers in the English mercantile system. New York and Philadelphia grew at a fantastic rate.

What were the Middle Colonies?

The middle colonies were made up of the colonies of New York, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

What are the Middle Colonies in the middle of?

The Dutch and the Swedes established the first permanent European settlements throughout much of the Middle colonies. The Dutch settled in what is now New York in 1624 and in New Jersey in 1660. The Swedes established settlements in the areas now known as Pennsylvania and Delaware in 1638.