Semi-serious challenge: Portuguese-speaking New Jersey

Thande

Donor
In the webcomic Sluggy Freelance, a recurring story is the accidental exploration of other dimensions using the Dimensional Flux Agitator, in which the protagonists find alternate versions of themselves...as they start in New Jersey, when they come out in those dimensions which aren't totally alien, they're in alternate New Jersey. One of these recurring dimensions features all the inhabitants with purple hair and speaking only Portuguese...so how could we get a Portuguese-speaking New Jersey with a POD after 1470 or so? ;)
 
Portugal gets so rich that they send wanton expeditions out, one discovers New Jersey, and when Spain invades Portugal, a bunch of Portuguese exiles settle in New Jersey?
 
Ye gods...as if New Jersey weren't confusing enough as it is (and I speak as a New Jersey resident). Funny this would be suggested: there is actually a section of the city of Newark (called "the Ironbound") that is ~80% Portuguese as it is. A significant number of the residents emigrated from the Iberian peninsula; the balance (I think) are Brazilian immigrants.
 
I think it would need to be during the time when Spain and Portugal were united (1581-1640), otherwise Spain wouldn't be too happy. I'm not sure if Spain would actually do anything to the colony(s) though. While not thrilled by those colonies that Portugal placed in India, Spain did not do much about those.

If it was during the time of union, they would need to displace the Swedish and/or Dutch. Could a war between Spain(Portugal) and an allied Netherlands and Sweden have occured?

Ye gods...as if New Jersey weren't confusing enough as it is (and I speak as a New Jersey resident). Funny this would be suggested: there is actually a section of the city of Newark (called "the Ironbound") that is ~80% Portuguese as it is. A significant number of the residents emigrated from the Iberian peninsula; the balance (I think) are Brazilian immigrants.

There are several great restaurants in that area. And you right most are from Brazil, a friend of mine is originally from Newark. His parents came from Brazil in the 60's.
 
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