Quick Facts: New Jersey

New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by New York State, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania, and on the southwest by Delaware.

ABBREVIATION: NJ
NICKNAME: The Garden State
POPULATION: 9,500,851 (2024 est.)
CAPITAL: Trenton
STATE BIRD: Eastern Goldfinch
STATE FLOWER: Purple violet
AREA: 8,729 sq. mi.
TIME ZONE: Eastern
ENTERED UNION: Dec. 18, 1887
ALTITUDE: High, 1,803 ft. High Point
CLIMATE: Warm summers, cool winters along seacoast; considerable snow in highlands. Ample rainfall.

Long before it became a state, New Jersey served as a well-trodden corridor for the march of history. For centuries Iroquois and Delaware hunting and war parties roamed its inner lowlands; in the early 1770’s, Paul Revere galloped across the same lowlands to Philadelphia with the news of the Boston Tea Party.

After the American Revolution, the water power of the Passaic River was harnessed near Paterson, which became the country’s first planned industrial city. Once the silk capital of the nation and still a great textile center, Paterson is today renowned-like most New Jersey cities-for its diversity of products (metal and rubber goods, furniture, plastics).

With its industry and small stores, Paterson has always been a magnet for immigrants. It was once one of the richest industrial regions in the world. In the 19th century, New Jersey cities led the nation into the Industrial Revolution.

Today, New Jersey is primary a transportation center, Newark Airport, a pioneer commercial airport which opened in 1928 as the first major airport in the United States, is still one of the nation’s busiest air terminals.

Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, New Jersey

In the 21st Century New Jersey has been deeply affected by terrorism and political controversy. The destruction of the twin towers could be seen from New Jersey, and Todd Beamer, of New Jersey, is thought to have played a role in bringing down Flight 93 short of the terrorists’ intended target.

In 2001, a Trenton, New Jersey postmark was used to send anthrax bacteria, via the mail, to several news media offices and two US Senators; this action resulted in the deaths five people and injured dozens of others. In 2014, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie continues to make controversial headlines and stir political turmoil.

Fun Facts:

Beneath the Pine Barrens lie aquifers that hold 17 trillion gallons of fresh water.
Early settlers mined the bogs of the Pine Barrens for iron to make nails, kettles, and cannonballs.
Famed inventor Thomas Edison filed for more than 400 patents from his laboratory in Menlo Park. During the seven years he worked there, his achievements included perfecting the light bulb and the telephone, inventing the phonograph (record player), and inventing the multiplex telegraph.
Cape May became the nation’s first seaside resort in 1761. It was named by the Dutch sea captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey (in English often rendered Cornelius Jacobsen ‘May’), who explored the region in 1620. In recognition of its well-preserved Victorian houses it was named a National Historic Landmark City in 1976.
The first dinosaur skeleton found in North America was excavated at Haddonfield in 1858. It was named Hadrosaurus on honor of its discovery site.
New Jersey is home to the first Indian reservation.

History:

New Jersey, often called the “Garden State,” has a rich and complex history shaped by its geography, diverse peoples, and pivotal role in American history. Situated between the bustling metropolises of New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey’s story reflects the broader narrative of the United States—from Indigenous heritage and colonial struggles to industrial growth and cultural innovation.

Long before European settlers arrived, New Jersey was home to Native American tribes belonging primarily to the Lenape people. The Lenape lived throughout the region’s forests, rivers, and coastlines, sustaining themselves through fishing, hunting, and farming. They established complex social structures and trade networks long before Europeans arrived.

In 1609, Henry Hudson, sailing for the Dutch East India Company, explored the river that now bears his name, opening the area for European colonization. Soon after, Dutch settlers founded the colony of New Netherland, including settlements along the Hudson River and parts of present-day New Jersey. The Dutch influence remains visible in place names and cultural legacies.

The English seized control of the region in 1664, and New Jersey was established as a proprietary colony under the governance of Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The colony was divided into East and West Jersey, each with distinct settlements and governance styles.

Early settlers were a mix of Dutch, English, Swedish, and Finnish immigrants, contributing to the colony’s diverse culture.

New Jersey’s location made it a critical area during the American Revolution. It was the site of numerous key battles and military campaigns, including the famous crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington in 1776 and the subsequent Battle of Trenton, which was a turning point in the war.

Because of its strategic position between New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw significant troop movements and occupations, earning it the nickname “The Crossroads of the Revolution.”

After independence, New Jersey quickly industrialized. The 19th century brought railroads, factories, and urban growth, especially in cities like Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City. Paterson became known as the “Silk City” due to its thriving silk industry, while Newark grew into a major transportation and manufacturing hub.

New Jersey was also a center of innovation. Thomas Edison’s laboratories in Menlo Park produced many groundbreaking inventions, including the electric light bulb and phonograph, cementing the state’s role in America’s technological progress.

Throughout the 20th century, New Jersey continued to grow both economically and culturally. Its proximity to New York City fostered a vibrant arts scene, and its suburbs expanded rapidly with postwar development. The state became home to diverse immigrant communities, enriching its social fabric.

Today, New Jersey balances its historical legacy with modern challenges and opportunities. It remains a key transportation corridor, an economic powerhouse in pharmaceuticals and finance, and a cultural crossroads.

From its Native American origins through colonial struggles, Revolutionary War heroism, and industrial innovation, New Jersey’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of the American story.