New Jersey is named after the Isle of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency located in the English Channel.
The Origin of New Jersey's Name
The land that would become New Jersey was officially named in honor of the Isle of Jersey, primarily due to the historical connection of one of its original proprietors.
Sir George Carteret and the Isle of Jersey Connection
In 1664, after the English captured New Netherland from the Dutch, James, Duke of York, granted a portion of this newly acquired territory between the Hudson and Delaware rivers to two loyal friends: Sir George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley. This vast tract of land was designated as the Province of New Jersey.
The specific naming of "New Jersey" was directly influenced by Sir George Carteret. He had previously served with distinction as the Royalist Governor of the Isle of Jersey during the English Civil War, defending it valiantly against Parliamentary forces. As a tribute to his service and his strong ties to the island, the new proprietorship was named after his former domain.
Key Facts About New Jersey's Naming
To summarize the origin of the name:
- Named After: The Isle of Jersey, an island in the English Channel.
- Named By: Sir George Carteret, one of the original proprietors of the territory.
- Reason for Naming: As an homage to Sir George Carteret's past role as the governor of the Isle of Jersey.
Historical Context and Significance
The naming of New Jersey reflects a common practice among European colonizers to name new territories after places in their homelands or after prominent figures. In this case, it was a direct acknowledgment of Sir George Carteret's loyalty and service to the English Crown. This designation marked the official beginning of the Province of New Jersey as a distinct English colony, eventually leading to its status as one of the thirteen original states of the United States. For more detailed information on the state's rich history, you can explore resources such as the official New Jersey state website.
