New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware were the four middle colonies of the United States. They were much more religiously tolerant and culturally diverse than other colonies. The warm climate, rich soil for farming, and ample natural resources helped these early colonies thrive. New York began as New Netherlands until the Duke of York overpowered it for England. The Duke awarded the lands of what would eventually become New Jersey to his friends. William Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania. Penn wanted to create a safe place for Quakers to practice their religion, and he had strong relationships with his neighbors. He eventually gave the colony of Delaware its own assembly. The Mason-Dixon Line separates Pennsylvania from Maryland