Quintipartite Deed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History ofNew Jersey |
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<mapframe text="The dividing lines between the original provinces of West and East New Jersey. Keith Line: Red; Coxe-Barclay Line: Orange; Thorton Line: Blue; Mahacomack Line: Green; Lawrence Line: Black" width=250 height=350> { "type": "ExternalData", "service": "page", "title": "West and East Jersey Dividing Lines.map" } </mapframe> The Quintipartite Deed was a very important legal paper. It officially split the land that is now New Jersey into two big parts. These parts were called West Jersey and East Jersey. This division lasted from 1674 until 1702.
Contents
What Was the Quintipartite Deed?
The Quintipartite Deed was a special agreement. It was signed on July 1, 1676. This deed helped to divide the land of New Jersey.
Who Signed This Important Paper?
Several important people signed the Quintipartite Deed. They included William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholas Lucas, and Edward Byllynge. They signed it with Sir George Carteret.
This agreement decided who would own which part of New Jersey. Sir George Carteret took control of East Jersey. Edward Byllynge and his group of trustees took West Jersey.
Drawing the Lines: How New Jersey Was Divided
Right after the deed was signed, people started to argue. They disagreed about exactly where the dividing line should be. It was hard to know the exact border between East and West Jersey.
The Keith Line
The first attempt to draw a clear line happened in 1686. A surveyor named George Keith created this line. It was called the Keith line. This line started near Little Egg Harbor in the south. It then went north, passing near Tuckerton. The line continued all the way up to the Delaware River. It ended just north of the Delaware Water Gap.
Other Important Lines
Over time, people made more accurate maps and surveys. This was done to help solve arguments over land ownership. Around 1696, another line was drawn. This was the Thornton line. Much later, around 1743, the Lawrence line was drawn. This last line became the official border for legal reasons.
Where Can We Still See the Old Borders?
Even today, you can still see hints of the old Keith line. This line helped create some of the county borders we have now. For example, it runs between Burlington and Ocean counties. It also divides Hunterdon and Somerset counties.
You can also see its influence in some town borders. This is true for towns within Mercer and Ocean counties. There's even a road in Mercer County called Province Line Road. Its name reminds us of the old dividing line.
