Slavery in New Jersey: The "Free State" That Wasn't

The History of Slavery in New Jersey

• New Jersey is often mistakenly considered a free state; slavery persisted until the 13th Amendment.

• The first slaves likely arrived during Dutch control, continuing under British rule.

• Slaves worked in various industries; prevalence varied by region, more common in Northeast Jersey.

Regional Differences and Quaker Influence

• Northeast Jersey had more slaves due to shipping ports; Bergen County had the highest concentration.

• Southwest Jersey's Quakers opposed slavery, leading to fewer slaves in that region.

• Legal divisions allowed different laws on slavery between East and West Jersey.

Legal Framework and Rights of Slaves

• New Jersey's slave laws were harsher than other northern colonies, with separate courts for slaves.

• Estimates suggest 11,000 to 12,000 slaves at the height of slavery in New Jersey.

• Northern states began abolishing slavery post-American Revolution; NJ was slow to act.

Abolition Efforts and Backlash

• Anti-slavery movements gained momentum in the 1780s led by Quakers but faced strong opposition.

• New Jersey passed a gradual abolition law in 1804, the last northern state to do so.

• The law allowed existing slaves to remain enslaved for life; children born would be enslaved temporarily.

Continued Struggles Until the 13th Amendment

• By 1830, most remaining northern slaves were still in New Jersey due to slow abolition efforts.

• A nominally abolishing law in 1846 reclassified remaining slaves as lifelong apprentices.

New Jersey's Historical Stance on Slavery

Civil War Era and Election of 1800

• New Jersey's political stance during the Civil War resembled border states rather than northern states.

• Abraham Lincoln, seen as anti-slavery, won four of New Jersey's seven electoral votes despite most voters preferring a Democratic candidate.

• Confusion in electors' names led to a split Democratic vote, allowing Lincoln electors to win.

Opposition to the 13th Amendment

• New Jersey opposed the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery; only one senator and one House member supported it.

• The state legislature initially rejected the amendment but ratified it after it became law in 1866.

• The amendment freed remaining apprentices for life in New Jersey, ending slavery's tragic history.

Apology and Historical Sites

• In 2007, New Jersey formally apologized for its role in slavery through a legislative resolution.

• The Camden County Historical Society offers insights into slavery history at Pomona Hall, a former plantation site.