Benjamin Fletcher | |
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Governor of the Province of New York | |
In office 1692–1697 | |
Monarch | William III |
Preceded by | Richard Ingoldesby |
Succeeded by | The Earl of Bellomont |
Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania | |
In office April 1693 – 1693 | |
Monarch | William III |
Preceded by | William Markham |
Succeeded by | William Markham |
Personal details | |
Born | London, England | 14 May 1640
Died | 28 May 1703 Boyle, Ireland | (aged 63)
Spouse | Elizabeth Hodson |
Parent(s) | William Fletcher Abigail Vincent |
Signature | ![]() |
Benjamin Fletcher (14 May 1640 – 28 May 1703)[1] was colonial governor of New York from 1692 to 1697. Fletcher was known for the Ministry Act of 1693, which secured the place of Anglicans as the official religion in New York. He also built the first Trinity Church in 1698.[2][3]
Under Col. Fletcher, piracy was a leading economic development tool in the city's competition with the ports of Boston and Philadelphia. New York City had become a safe place for pirates. Fletcher was eventually fired for his association with piracy.[4]