Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, US.

"Amboy" may have come from "Ompoge" an Algonquian name for the area.

Where does the Perth come from? By 1684, when the Earl of Perth became Lord High Chancellor under King James II, Gawen Lawrie arrived here as deputy governor with instructions from the proprietors to refer to Amboy as the town of Perth. The Earl of Perth was also one of the members of the Board of Proprietors. Even though he was arrested upon the abdication of King James II in 1688, the town was still referred to as Perth Amboy even though the Earl was confined until 1693.

During the early 1800's, Perth Amboy's waterfront was a bustling business center. It contained warehouses, eateries, rooming houses, stores with imported and local products, an outdoor produce market and docks. For many years, ferry service played an integral role in Perth Amboy for those looking to go to and from Staten Island. Begun in 1709, service finally stopped in 1963. Currently, ferry service is about to be restored for the first time in nearly 40 years.