In the context of New Jersey's colonial history, the term "Proprietary" refers to the period when the territory was granted to specific individuals or groups by the English crown to establish and govern their own colonies. From 1664 to 1702, New Jersey was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey, each owned by separate proprietors.
During this Proprietary period, the landowners were responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective colonies. They could enact laws, establish courts, and collect rents from settlers in order to generate revenue to support their administrations. The Proprietors acted as a form of government, exercising a level of control over their colonies under the ultimate authority of the English monarchy.
However, it is important to note that New Jersey was not a direct colony under the king's control during the Proprietary period. Instead, it was owned by Proprietors who were granted the land by the King, and they acted as the governing authority within their territories. It wasn't until 1702 when New Jersey became a Royal Colony, directly under the control of the British Crown and governed by a royal governor appointed by the king.
New Jersey/Proprietary/RoyalProprietary- A King gives a person or group of people ownership of the land. Those people then rent out that land to pay the King. The owners act as the government. A colony that is under the DIRECT control of a King.
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