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British Take over New Jersey
In 1664, the British take control over New Jersey as a colony. They continue slave importation, yet slavery had not yet "officially" started. -
Official Start of Slave Trade
On October 9th, 1702, the slave trade officially began in NJ. At this time, gov. Edward Cornbury got instructions from London to make sure the settlers have a necessary and good amount of Negro slaves at moderate prices. -
The Slaves Revolt
The slaves became furious and were tired, so they rose up and revolted against slavery. The result of this revolt was that nine men were left dead and six men were wounded, Slavery continued on from that point. -
Growth of Slave Trade in NJ
The English wanted to further develop New Jersey as a colony but did not have enough labor. They decided to use slavery as a way to expand agriculture and encourage settlement and they passed many laws to encourage slavery. This allowed the slave trade to grow more than ever. -
The English Redeem Their Power
After many slaves committed crimes, the colony created a court system specifically for slave crimes. The punishments for slaves remained on the books until 1788. There was cruel and harsh rules for the slaves at that time. -
The Slaves Try To Revolt Again
Word had spread to the slaves that Great Britain had outlawed slavery and that they were being held in bondage illegally. They decided to revolt against the colonists and the colonists escaped this violent uprising. The revolt was very gruesome; slaves chose a night to wake up and slit the throats of their masters and master's sons, yet the plan failed. One slave was hung and many injured. -
Fugitive Slave Act of 1793
This act was passed to guarantee a right of a slaveholder to recover an escaped slave. The title of this act was "An act respecting fugitives from justice, and a person's escaping from the service of their masters". -
Growth and Success of Slave Trade
The 1880 census showed that there was around 12,422 enslaved men and women in NJ or about 5.8% of the population. -
Slavery was Abolished in NJ
Slowly but surely, the New Jersey legislature passed a law in 1804 that abolished slavery in the state.