New Jersey Colony By 1directionlovers Aug 3, 1492 Columbus sets sail for America Period: Aug 3, 1492 to Jul 4, 1776 New Jersey Feb 10, 1664 New Jersey is founded by Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret Dec 18, 1702 New Jersey is sold to the Quakers and becomes a royal colony Jan 1, 1738 Lewis Morris serves as the first single royal governor Mar 18, 1770 Settlers rebel Jan 1, 1776 New Jersey Gazette issues its first newspaper Jul 4, 1776 Declaration of Independance is adopted