Province of East Jersey
Between 1674 and 1702, the territory that now comprises the U.S. state of New Jersey was split into two distinct political entities: the Province of East Jersey and the Province of West Jersey. Established under the Quintipartite Deed, East Jersey operated as a proprietary colony of the Kingdom of England, with its administrative heart located in the capital of Perth Amboy.
The early years of the province were defined by a diverse influx of settlers. Between 1664 and 1674, most migrants arrived from other parts of the Americas, including Long Island, New England, and the West Indies. This demographic shift brought strong religious influences to the region; specifically, the towns of Newark and Elizabethtown were characterized by a deep Puritanism (a strict reformist movement within Protestantism), while the Monmouth Tract south of the Raritan River was primarily developed by Quakers from Long Island.
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Key Facts
- Existence: 1674 to 1702.
- Capital: Perth Amboy.
- Government Type: Proprietary colony.
- Primary Languages: English and Dutch.
- Population (1684): Estimated 3,500 individuals across 700 families (excluding African slaves).
- Administrative Divisions: Divided into four counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth.
Governance and Administration
The province was managed by Lord Proprietors and Governors. Sir George Carteret served as the initial Lord Proprietor from 1674 to 1680, while Philip Carteret served as the first governor. Later, Robert Barclay, a leading Quaker, governed throughout most of the 1680s. Despite Barclay's faith, Quaker influence on the government remained limited; Barclay's immigration efforts were designed more to promote Scottish influence than religious expansion.
In 1682, Barclay and other Scottish proprietors began developing Perth Amboy as the capital. The city's importance grew in 1687 when King James II granted permission for ships to be cleared at the port, enhancing the province's trade capabilities.
The Seven Established Towns
For administrative purposes, the province recognized seven primary towns:
- Shrewsbury
- Middleton
- Piscataway
- Woodbridge
- Elizabethtown
- Newark
- Bergen
The Struggle Over Boundaries and Land
One of the most persistent challenges for East Jersey was the determination of its exact border with West Jersey. This led to a series of surveys and disputed lines over several decades.
| Date | Boundary Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1674 | Original Duke of York Line | From Barnegat Bay to Rancocas Creek on the Delaware River. |
| 1676 | Quintipartite Deed Line | A straight line from 41° 40' latitude on the Delaware River to Little Egg Harbor. |
| 1687 | Keith Line (Province Line) | Surveyed north to the south branch of the Raritan River. |
| 1688 | Coxe-Barclay Line | Extended the Keith Line to define boundaries for Morris, Sussex, and Somerset counties. |
| 1696 | Thornton Line | An attempt to correct errors from previous surveys. |
| 1743 | Lawrence Line | Final arbiter of land disputes, adopted by the NJ supreme court in 1855. |
Beyond boundary disputes, the province was plagued by conflicts between residents and the mostly-absentee proprietors. These disputes centered on land ownership and quitrents (a type of land tax paid to a proprietor). These tensions eventually became unsustainable.
The End of the Province
By 1702, the instability caused by land disputes and internal violence led the East and West Jersey proprietors to surrender their individual governing rights. The two provinces were amalgamated under the government of Queen Anne, effectively ending the separate existence of East Jersey and forming the unified Province of New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the capital of the Province of East Jersey?
The capital was located at Perth Amboy, which was developed starting in 1682 by Robert Barclay and other Scottish proprietors.
Who were the primary settlers of East Jersey?
Most settlers came from other parts of the Americas, specifically New England, Long Island, and the West Indies. This included Puritans in Newark and Elizabethtown, and Quakers in the Monmouth Tract.
Why was the province eventually disestablished?
The province was disestablished in 1702 due to obsessive violence and frequent disputes between residents and absentee proprietors over land ownership and quitrents.
How many counties were in East Jersey?
In 1675, the province was partitioned into four administrative counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth.
What was the Lawrence Line?
The Lawrence Line was a 1743 survey conducted by John Lawrence. It was adopted by the New Jersey supreme court in 1855 as the final resolution for land disputes and still defines boundaries for several townships today.