King Charles II rejected all Dutch claims in North America, and he granted the land to colonial-era Connecticut Colony in 1662.

In the 17th century, fierce resistance by the Susquehannock people repelled Anglo settlement and rendered the debate academic.

France and Britain fought for control in North America as well, in what was called the French and Indian War by British colonists.

In December 1775, the Pennsylvanians refused to leave; the militia of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, forced them out of the territory at gunpoint.

[citation needed] Conflicts continued between the two claimants at the end of the American Revolution, and the Continental Congress overturned the king's ruling in 1782 and upheld Pennsylvania's claim to the area.

But the state of Pennsylvania sought to force the Yankees from the land in 1784, which began the Third Pennamite War, with Connecticut and Vermont sending men to help the settlers.