The Surprising Island Origin of New Jersey’s Name
Many people know New Jersey as the Garden State, but fewer realize its name comes from a small island thousands of miles away in the English Channel.
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, sitting about 14 miles off the coast of France and 85 miles south of England. Although it’s a British Crown Dependency, Jersey isn’t formally part of the United Kingdom — it has its own government, legal system, currency and centuries-old traditions all its own.
The connection to New Jersey traces back to the turbulent years of the English Civil War. Sir George Carteret, a prominent naval officer and Jersey official, remained loyal to the royal family when England was divided between Royalist and Parliamentary forces. Jersey became an important refuge for the future King Charles II, who stayed on the island during his exile. Carteret helped defend Jersey and the Royalist cause even after King Charles I was executed in 1649 — loyalty that wasn’t forgotten when the monarchy was restored and Charles II returned to the throne in 1660.
In March 1664, Charles II granted a large area of North American territory — including land formerly controlled by the Dutch — to his brother James, Duke of York. Later that year, James granted the land between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers to Sir George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley. The territory was named “New Jersey” in honor of Carteret’s home island and his loyal defense of the Crown. (The original grant document also referred to it as “New Cesarea,” an older Latin name tied to Jersey.)
Today, Jersey blends British and French influences with dramatic coastal scenery, sandy beaches and picturesque harbors. Visitors can explore Mont Orgueil Castle overlooking Gorey harbor, walk the causeway to Elizabeth Castle at low tide, step back into prehistory at La Hougue Bie, or learn about the island’s WWII occupation at the Jersey War Tunnels. Add in Jersey Royal potatoes, Jersey dairy cattle and fresh seafood, and it’s easy to see why this small island packs in centuries of history and culture unlike anywhere else in Britain.
From the island of Jersey to the American state bearing its name, this is a historical connection that has lasted more than 350 years.
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