Year Founded:
1664
Founded By:
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret
Motivation for Founding:
In 1664, James, the Duke of York, received control of New Netherland. He granted land to two of his friends, Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, that would become New Jersey. The two advertised and promised settlers many benefits for colonizing including representative government and freedom of religion. The colony quickly grew.
Quakers eventually purchased both of their charters and created East and West Jersey which were joined by the crown in 1702.
Significant Events:
- New Jersey was the third state to ratify the Constitution.
- New Jersey was the first to ratify the Bill of Rights.
Important People:
- James, Duke of York
- Lord Berkeley
- Sir George Carteret.
