PREVIOUS QUESTION ABOUT NEW JERSEY HISTORY
Dear NJHM:
Can you tell me what New Jersey Day is and why we celebrate it on April 17th?
Thomas
Dear Thomas:
New Jersey Day commemorates the joining of East and West Jersey into a single royal colony in 1702. The actual date was April 15, however, not April 17. If you are a student, perhaps your school is using that date because the 15th falls on Saturday this year. Prior to 1702 New Jersey was separated into two areas under the control of the East New Jersey and West New Jersey Proprietors. Queen Anne wanted to combine East and West New Jersey under a Royal Governor and thus directly under the control of the crown. The Proprietors gave away their right under pressure from the Queen, but were granted certain favors in exchange (some political control, recognition of land rights, etc.). Hope this helps.
SOURCE:
New Jersey - America's Main Road
By: John T. Cunningham
Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1966 ---- BUY
THIS BOOK