Province of New York
The Province of New York was an English colony that existed roughly within the current boundaries of the State of New York. The province originally claimed the current states of New Jersey and Vermont.
Conquest of New Netherlands The province was granted to James, Duke of York, before the capture of the New Netherlands colony from the Dutch on September 12,1664. The Duke had already granted the Province of New Jersey to his friends Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The Dutch retook part of New York in the next war; but finally lost it in 1674. When the Duke succeeded to the throne of England as James II, in 1685, New York became a Crown Colony. During the Glorious Revolution, Jacob Leisler led a rebellion in favor of William III.
In principle, the form of government was absolute rule by the Duke of York, or later the King; but in practice, he delegated his authority to a provincial governor whom he had appointed and instructed, and a provincial legislature elected by freeholders.
The twelve original counties
The Province of New York was divided into twelve counties on November 1, 1683:
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