New York and New Jersey Joint Boundary Commission Records

The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York was directed by a resolution of the State Senate of April 19, 1867 to examine into the condition and true location of monuments along the state's boundaries and to take action to preserve or renew them. Chapter 424 of the Laws of 1875 continued this authority, charging the Regents to cooperate with authorities from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1880 the Regents were given authority to appoint members to serve on a joint commission, and New Jersey did the same in 1881. The commission reached a settlement in June, 1883 and added additional agreements in 1887 and 1889. As part of the 1883 settlement, all records were deposited with the respective secretaries of state.

The series consists of records of the commission's proceedings and activities. Three volumes contain the following: a "Level Book" of field notes on the New York and New Jersey Boundary Survey (spring 1882) signed by the commissioners; one volume containing the Description of Monuments on the New York and New Jersey Boundary, and Instructions to the Chief Civil Engineers from the Commission (March 21, 1883); and one volume containing a possible copy of information found in the second volume, the 1883 settlement, a special report on the Terminal Monument at the Junction of the Delaware and Nevesink Rivers (June 1885), and a Diary of Operations in the Field (1881-1882) by H.W. Clarke, Surveyor for the State of New York.

A4023Series A4023, Drawings of State Boundary Monuments, contains drawings and sketches of New York's southern boundary, from New York Harbor to the Allegany Hills of western New York.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.