New Jersey's Colonial Division: The Quintipartite Deed
The early colonial history of New Jersey was marked by a complex legal arrangement that split the territory into two distinct administrative regions. This division was formalized through a legal instrument known as the Quintipartite Deed, a document that shaped the governance and geography of the province for nearly three decades.
The Division of the Province
On July 1, 1676, a significant legal agreement was executed to divide the Province of New Jersey. The Quintipartite Deed was signed by five parties: Sir George Carteret, William Penn, Gawen Lawrie (who later served as Deputy to Governor Robert Barclay from 1683 to 1686), Nicholas Lucas, and Edward Byllynge. Under the terms of this deed, the territory was split into two separate entities: East Jersey, which was taken by Sir George Carteret, and West Jersey, which was acquired by Edward Byllynge and his trustees.
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The original boundary described in the deed was a straight line extending from the northernmost branch of the Delaware River (located at forty-one degrees and forty minutes of latitude) to the southernmost point of the east side of Little Egg Harbor.
Resolving Boundary Disputes
Despite the formal agreement, the exact dividing point between East and West Jersey became a source of immediate conflict. Because the initial descriptions were imprecise, several attempts were made to establish a definitive border through professional surveys.
The Keith Line
In 1686, Surveyor-General George Keith attempted to resolve the dispute by creating the Keith line. This boundary ran North-Northwest from the southern portion of Little Egg Harbor, passing just north of Tuckerton and extending to a point on the Delaware River just north of the Delaware Water Gap.
The Thornton and Lawrence Lines
As property disputes continued, more accurate maps and surveys were required. Around 1696, the Thornton line was drawn to provide better precision. Finally, around 1743, the Lawrence line was established. The Lawrence line was eventually adopted as the final legal boundary for the region.
Key Facts
- The Quintipartite Deed divided New Jersey into East and West provinces from 1674 until 1702.
- East Jersey was controlled by Sir George Carteret.
- West Jersey was controlled by Edward Byllynge and his trustees.
- Three major survey lines (Keith, Thornton, and Lawrence) were used to resolve boundary disputes.
- The Lawrence line (c. 1743) served as the final legal boundary.
| Survey Line | Approximate Date | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Line | 1686 | Ran from Little Egg Harbor to the Delaware River via Tuckerton. |
| Thornton Line | 1696 | Created to provide more accurate property mapping. |
| Lawrence Line | 1743 | The final line adopted for legal purposes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Quintipartite Deed?
The Quintipartite Deed was a legal document signed on July 1, 1676, that divided the Province of New Jersey into East Jersey and West Jersey.
Who were the primary figures involved in the division?
The deed was executed by Sir George Carteret, William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholas Lucas, and Edward Byllynge.
How long did the division of East and West Jersey last?
The province remained divided into East and West Jersey from 1674 until 1702.
Why were multiple survey lines like the Keith and Lawrence lines necessary?
Multiple lines were necessary because the original deed's description of the boundary was imprecise, leading to ongoing property and territorial disputes that required more accurate surveying.
Which boundary line was eventually accepted as the legal standard?
The Lawrence line, drawn around 1743, was the final boundary adopted for legal purposes.