Island Beach State Park, New Jersey
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- New Jersey is slightly larger than the country of El Salvador and Djibouti.
- The state has 21 counties and 566 municipalities.
- The state’s name originates from the English Channel Island of Jersey.
- The world’s first dinosaur statue was discovered in Haddonfield, New Jersey in October 1858. It was the first complete dinosaur skeleton to be found and the first to be publicly displayed as well.
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- In Summary
Washington spent a lot of the American Revolution here
One of the first fact about New Jersey that will impress your friends is that George Washington spent a lot of time in the state. During the Revolutionary War, he set up two army camps in the future state. Morristown was the winter encampment for not just Washington, but also the army he was leading against British forces. There are still homes standing that once hosted this historic US figure.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk was groundbreaking
Atlantic City is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the east coast. While there are plenty of things to see in the city, one of the most popular attractions is the boardwalk. Measuring over five miles, it's the longest boardwalk in the country. It was also the first of its kind. The first stretch was opened in 1870, making it the first public boardwalk in the country.
It's Bruce Springsteen's home
Before he became one of the most popular musicians in America, Bruce Springsteen was just a boy from New Jersey. He was born in the state in 1949. Unlike many rockstars, he's continued to call New Jersey home since then. His humble roots and love for his state have been an inspiration for a lot of his music.
Lambert Castle Museum is a symbol of art and industry
Built in 1892, Lambert Castle was once the home of a silk mill owner. Through the years, the mansion has undergone many renovations, both before and after its original owners passed away. Due to the extensive collection of art, industry artifacts, and other items, the building became a National Historic Place in 1975. There's even a collection of 400 spoons on the property!
George Washington crossed the Delaware River
You don't have to be a history buff to know about Washington's famed crossing of the Delaware River. The river touches not just Delaware, but also Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. This last state is actually where Washington crossedwith his troops on Christmas night in 1776. An event that has been immortalized in the now-famous 1851 painting by Emanuel Leutze.
George Washington lived in New Jersey
The Revolutionary War saw many soldiers displaced from their homes, even when they weren't fighting. For example, during the winter months, battles died down compared to the warmer times of year. During the the winter of 1776, rather than return to his home in Virginia, Washington stayed with his troops. He spent that winter in New Jersey as it allowed him to keep an eye on British forces.
Blueberries are a symbol
Though Maine produces the vast majority of blueberries grown in the United States it's not the only place that has claimed them as a symbol. Since 2003, the blueberry has been the official New Jersey state fruit. The decision was made after a lengthy debate between choosing the blueberry or the tomato. The state even has its own tomato variety specifically grown in the area. However, the blueberry won.
The motto is in English
Like every other state in the US, there's an official New Jersey state motto. "Liberty and Prosperity"can be seen on the state seal and in official state government documents. New Jersey is one of the few states that has an English motto. Many other places in the country have chosen phrases in Latin or French.
Edison perfected the projector
Thanks to the motion picture projector, you're able to enjoy going to the movies. It was a giant leap that brought entertainment from the stage to film. The first projector was invented in 1780 in France. While this new technology was innovative, it was still flawed. It wasn't until 1888 when Edison and his lab assistant invented a machine capable of projecting motion pictures.
The flag was designed in the 1800s
When you look at any official documents about New Jersey state information, you'll see the official coat of arms. You'll also see the design on the New Jersey state flag. Like many flag designs, all the elements in the New Jersey coat of arms are symbolic. Liberty, prosperity, and the state's agricultural roots are all represented in this flag that was originally designed in 1896.
New Jersey was the third state
New Jersey was one of the original 13 colonies, so it's not a surprise that it was one of the first territories in the United States of America. It was, in fact, the third state to join the Union. While the area was a territory in the new country since the end of the Revolutionary War, it didn't become an official state until 1787. In December of that year, New Jersey approved the Constitution and gained statehood.
The Pine Barrens is the last of its kind
At one point, the Atlantic coastal pine barrens were a unique forest ecosystem that stretched from North Carolina into Canada. Unfortunately, most of this land has been destroyed due to deforestation. New Jerseyis home to one of the last remaining portions of this forest. The only other examples of this ecosystem can be found in Long Island and Massachusetts.
Check out the red oaks
The New Jersey state tree was chosen for its symbolism. The red oakis strong and beautiful, and it's known to live a long time. This type of oak isn't just found on the east coast, but they do bring extra beauty to the state. In 1950 the New Jersey governor officially made it the state tree.
Some New Jerseyans consider themselves New Yorkers
One of the funniest and most interesting facts about NJ is that some people in the state consider themselves practically New Yorkers. Though that mostly applies to residents of cities like Hoboken that share the Hudson Riverwith NYC. Since New York City is just a short ferry ride or drive away from parts of the state, many people commute for work. This fact has been used in numerous television shows and movies.
Children funded part of the capitol
With parts of its structure dating back to 1792, the New Jersey capitol building is the third-oldest in the country. The building has undergone some renovations throughout its history, however. In fact, part of the capitol building was funded by school children. As part of a civic fundraiser, money was raised to help fund the New Jersey state building's dome in 1996.
You might spot the Jersey Devil
In South Jersey there's a legend that dates back over 100 years. Locals claim a creature with wings and hooves who looks like it's part bat, part horse, and part goat roam the Pine Barrens. This creature has been dubbed the Jersey Devil. Though there are different origin stories, the most popular claims that it was the 13th child born to Deborah Leeds in 1735.
There's an annual zombie walk
For most of the year, Asbury Parkis a fairly run-of-the-mill beach town in New Jersey. However, it's become a hit destination around October. Since 2008 the annual "Zombie Walk" has been held every Halloween season. Hundreds of people dress up as zombies and go for a fun and perhaps spooky walk through town.
It's where the Hindenburg disaster happened
This may not be one of the most fun facts on New Jersey but it's one of the most historic. In 1937, the Hindenburgaircraft burst into flames which killed 35 people and risked the lives of nearly 60 others. The Hindenburg remains a topic of fascination because even now no one knows what caused the disaster. However, some assume the aircraft was purposefully compromised while others believe the paint or engineering were faulty.
The state name comes from England
If you look at the names of all the US states, you'll notice a few tendencies. Many states are named after Native American words or phrases while others were named by settlers. New Jersey's name would fall into the latter category. As an original British Colony, it gets its name from the English. The state was named after the Isle of Jerseyin the English Channel.
You can visit "Silk City"
Many people who visit Paterson, New Jersey, don't know about its important industrial history. During the 1800s, the city was called "Silk City." The city was built nearby a waterfall which was harnessed to power the town. Due to this reliable power source, the silk industry was able to boom in the city. This reputation as the premier silk production area in the country lasted until 1913.
Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European
Though the British officially settled New Jersey, they weren't the first Europeans to set foot in the territory. That honor goes to a much less talked about explorer. Giovanni de Verrazanowas an Italian explorer who traveled to North America in 1524, including New Jersey. Colonists wouldn't arrive in the area until 1609.
Did this list of New Jerseyfacts succeed in surprising you? Did you already know a few of them? I bet it's inspired you to start planning a trip to this part of the country as soon as possible. In the meantime, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with all the new trivia you've learned. Whether you're a history buff or you're just inte...
Nov 23, 2023 · Most commonly nicknamed “The Garden State,” New Jersey was the 3 rd state to join the United States of America on December 18, 1787. It has a population of 8,882,190 people (as of 2019), making it the 11 th most populous state. New Jersey is bordered by the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York.
By Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh. Fast Facts. NICKNAME: The Garden State. STATEHOOD: 1787; 3rd state. POPULATION (as of July 2016): 8,944,469. CAPITAL: Trenton. BIGGEST CITY: Newark. ABBREVIATION:...
- Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh
- New Jersey’s Hackensack Meadows wetlands preserve is home to over 270 species of birds.
- The Great Swamp, located in north-central New Jersey, contains over 6,000 acres of freshwater wetlands that were placed under federal preservation when New Jersey locals petitioned to keep it in its primeval condition.
- More battles of the American Revolutionary War were fought on New Jersey territory than in any other state, for which the state was nicknamed the “Cockpit of the Revolution.”
- In New Jersey, self-service gasoline pumps are illegal.
3 days ago · New Jersey. state, United States. Also known as: Garden State. Written by. James Kerney. Editor, Trenton Times Newspapers, New Jersey, 1965–74; Publisher, 1962–73. James Kerney, Peter O. Wacker. Emeritus Professor of Geography, Rutgers University.
While... appalachianview/Depositphotos.com. See all Facts. CATEGORY 1 - FACT 3. It's Bruce Springsteen's home. Before he became one of the most popular musicians in America, Bruce Springsteen was just... See all Facts. CATEGORY 1 - FACT 4. Salt water taffy was invented in NJ.
