NEW JERSEY STATE - New Jersey, the Garden State, boasts a rich and complex history, reflected in the evolution of its state capital. While Trenton is the well-known and current capital, it wasn't the state's first. That distinction belongs to Elizabeth (originally Elizabethtown), a city with deep roots in colonial America and a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
From Elizabethtown to Trenton: Tracing the Shifting Capitals of New Jersey
This article explores the history of New Jersey's capitals, tracing the journey from Elizabethtown's early prominence to Trenton's eventual selection as the permanent seat of government.
Elizabethtown: A Colonial Foundation (1664)
New Jersey's first capital city, Elizabethtown, was founded well before the American Revolution. In 1664, English settlers established Elizabethtown on the banks of the Elizabeth River, west of Newark Bay. The settlement was named in honor of Elizabeth Carteret, the wife of Sir George Carteret, one of the proprietors of the newly acquired colony of New Jersey (Source: New Jersey Historical Society, historical records of colonial New Jersey). This marked a key moment in English settlement after the British took New Netherlands.
A Strategic Location and Revolutionary War Battles
Elizabethtown's location made it a strategic point during the colonial era and the American Revolution. Its position near New York City and its access to waterways made it a target for British forces. During the Revolutionary War, Elizabethtown was repeatedly attacked by British troops based in Manhattan and Staten Island, witnessing numerous skirmishes and battles (Source: Historical accounts of the American Revolution in New Jersey).
A Presidential Departure
After American Independence. In 1789, George Washington departed from Elizabethtown by boat, embarking on his journey to New York City for his inauguration as the first President of the United States, a significant moment in American history (Source: Biographies of George Washington, historical accounts of his inauguration).
The Rise of Trenton (1790): A Shift in Power
While Elizabethtown played a crucial role in New Jersey's early history, the state's capital eventually moved. In 1790, Trenton was chosen as the new capital of New Jersey, a decision likely influenced by its more central location within the state and its access to the Delaware River (Source: New Jersey legislative records, historical accounts of the capital selection).
**_The New Jersey State House was constructed in Trenton in 1792, solidifying its position as the center of state government. It is one of the oldest statehouses.
Elizabeth Today: A City of History and Diversity
In 1855, the name changed to Elizabeth.
The New Jersey Legislature created the City of Elizabeth by combining Elizabeth Borough and Elizabeth Township. The city has many memorials to the Revolution. It is also now a diverse city.
The story of New Jersey's capitals is a journey from Elizabethtown's colonial prominence to Trenton's enduring role as the seat of state government. While Trenton has held the title of capital since 1790, Elizabeth's legacy as the first capital and its significant contributions to the American Revolution remain an essential part of New Jersey's rich history. Exploring both cities offers a valuable perspective on the state's evolution and its enduring connection to the founding of the nation.
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Sources:
- New Jersey Historical Society
- Historical records of colonial New Jersey
- City of Elizabeth
- New Jersey State Archives
- Historical accounts of the American Revolution in New Jersey
- Biographies of George Washington
- New Jersey legislative records
- Trenton City
