NEW JERSEY - A state with a pivotal role in colonial America and the Revolutionary War, has a county structure that dates back to its earliest days as two distinct provinces: East Jersey and West Jersey. The foundations of the modern state were laid with the establishment of its first counties in the late 17th century.
New Jersey's Oldest Counties
This article explores the oldest counties in New Jersey, tracing their origins back to the division of the colony and their eventual role in forming the 21 counties of today.
Division and Early Establishment
In the late 1600s, New Jersey was divided into two separate proprietary colonies:
- East Jersey: In 1675, the Province of East Jersey was divided into its first four counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth (Source: New Jersey Historical Society, colonial records of East Jersey). These counties encompassed the northeastern portion of present-day New Jersey.
- West Jersey: In 1681, the Province of West Jersey established its initial counties, Burlington and Salem (Source: New Jersey State Archives, historical accounts of West Jersey). These counties covered the southwestern portion of present-day New Jersey, primarily along the Delaware River.
The Six Original Foundations
Therefore, the six oldest counties in New Jersey, based on their initial establishment dates, are:
- Bergen County (1675, East Jersey)
- Essex County (1675, East Jersey)
- Middlesex County (1675, East Jersey)
- Monmouth County (1675, East Jersey)
- Burlington County (1681, West Jersey)
- Salem County (1681, West Jersey)
Unification and Evolution: Creating Modern New Jersey
The division between East and West Jersey ended in 1702 when the proprietors surrendered their governing power to the Crown, uniting the two provinces into the single royal colony of New Jersey. However, the original six counties established during the divided period remained the foundational administrative units.
- Later Divisions: Over time, as the population grew and settlement expanded, these original six counties were divided and subdivided, creating fifteen new counties. This process eventually resulted in the 21 counties that make up the state of New Jersey today (Source: New Jersey Association of Counties, legislative records).
The oldest counties in New Jersey – Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, and Salem – represent the earliest administrative foundations of the Garden State. Established during the unique period when New Jersey was divided into East and West Jersey, these counties have witnessed centuries of history, transformation, and growth. Their creation in 1675 and 1681 marks the beginning of New Jersey's county system and provides a direct link to the state's rich colonial past.
Sources:
- New Jersey Historical Society
- New Jersey State Archives
- Colonial records of East Jersey and West Jersey
- Historical accounts of West Jersey
- New Jersey Association of Counties
- New Jersey Legislative Records
