New York and New Jersey: Never One, Always Neighbors
Despite sharing a harbor, a metro area, and endless commuter traffic, New York and New Jersey have never been a single political entity. They were separate colonies, became separate states, and remain distinct sovereigns within the U.S. federal system.
Colonial Origins
- New Netherland (1624–1664): Dutch colony encompassing both sides of the Hudson. New Amsterdam (Manhattan) was the capital.
- 1664 English conquest: Charles II granted the territory to his brother James, Duke of York. James split it: kept New York (Manhattan + upstate), gave the land between Hudson and Delaware to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret → New Jersey.
- East/West Jersey (1674–1702): Two proprietary colonies, later unified as a royal colony.
Statehood
- New York: 11th state (July 26, 1788).
- New Jersey: 3rd state (December 18, 1787).
Modern Entanglements
They share:
- Port Authority of NY & NJ (bridges, tunnels, airports, PATH, WTC).
- Water compacts (Delaware River Basin, Hudson River).
- Metro-North/NJ Transit rail integration.
- Tax reciprocity agreements (commuter income tax).
- Endless sports rivalries (Giants/Jets play in NJ; Devils/Islanders/Rangers).
But separate constitutions, legislatures, governors, courts, tax codes, and license plates. They were born separate and stay that way.
Wanderlust World