Press Release

Portrait of Royal Governor
Robert Hunter c.1718
*Courtesy of John K. Dyke

PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy was settled in 1683, but it did not become a city until 1718.    During 1718, the citizens of Perth Amboy petitioned Royal Governor Robert Hunter for a City Charter.   As a Perth Amboy resident, Governor Hunter was sympathetic to his neighbors and granted a Royal Charter.

Before our Royal Charter was bestowed, there was no city government.   So, the year 2018 is very special, as it marks the 300th Anniversary of our Mayor’s Office, City Council, Police Department, City Clerk’s Office, and Business Administrator’s Office. And while Royal Charters were typically given out to Townships & other landholdings, Perth Amboy was the first in the entire Colony Of New Jersey to receive a Royal Charter specifically as a city. Perth Amboy’s Royal Charter also called for elections, which was the beginning of our local democratic process.

Channel 34 and You Tube will soon be airing a documentary short entitled: “Perth Amboy’s 1718 Royal Charter”, which brings forth rare images as well as original documents from that timeframe. Universities, historical societies and archives from across the nation have all contributed to this film, which is a John Dyke Production. Check your local Comcast, Fios and You Tube listings.