Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About the History, Culture, and Economy of New Jersey


New Jersey is often celebrated for its slogan "The Garden State" yet there’s so much more to this state than its flora and fauna. With a rich history, unique culture, and vibrant economy, New Jersey is truly a state teeming with intriguing stories and significant contributions. Let’s delve deeper and uncover some lesser known but fascinating facts about this remarkable state.

History

  • Did you know that New Jersey was one of the original 13 colonies? It played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War. One of the most crucial battles, the Battle of Trenton, took place on December 26, 1776, when General George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River.

  • New Jersey has more miles of shoreline than any other state! With approximately 130 miles of coastline, New Jersey boasts beautiful beaches and recreational areas, attracting millions of visitors each year.

  • The Snack is Born: In 1931, New Jersey native Louis Harlan ran out of time to make potato chips, so he simply sliced potatoes, fried them for only five minutes, and packaged them. Cornelius Vanderbilt "Jerry" Lawson, another New Jersey local, took it a step further in 1976 when he invented the first video game cartridge, which made home gaming accessible.

Culture

  • Pie for the Win: The New Jersey State Fruit and Vegetable is the blueberry. Annually, New Jersey celebrates its love for the delicious blueberry with a festival held at different venues around the state.

  • Home of the First Stock Exchange: The New Jersey gold coin markets of the 1690s were the first financial institutions in the country. They were the predecessors to today’s New York Stock Exchange.

  • Jersey On Screen: New Jersey has made its mark on American popular culture. It’s the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen, and countless films, TV shows, and songs have been inspired by or set in the beautiful locations across the state.

Economy

  • Silicon Alley: New Jersey hosts over 3,500 technology companies, earning it the nickname Silicon Alley. It’s an essential part of the state’s economy.

  • Agricultural Powerhouse: New Jersey’s agricultural industry produces over $1 billion in products annually. Its fruits, vegetables, animals, and nursery crops represent the heart and soul of the state’s agricultural sector.

  • Pharmaceuticals: New Jersey is home to several pharmaceutical companies, with three of them ranking amongst the nation’s top ten in the pharmaceutical sector.

Now, let’s take a look at some captivating images of the state:

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FAQs

Q: What is New Jersey’s state bird?
A: The American Goldfinch is New Jersey’s state bird.

Q: Which city in New Jersey is known for its statue of liberty replica?
A: The Statue of Liberty in New Jersey, commonly known as the "New York State Barge Canal Administrative Building," is located in Jersey City.

Q: How did New Jersey earn its nickname ‘The Garden State’?
A: Local lore dating back to the 1876 tourism campaign credits Abraham Lincoln with coining the term "The Garden State". The state was considered to have an unusually profitable agricultural industry.

Q: Does New Jersey have a state fruit too?
A: Yes, New Jersey’s state fruit is the blueberry.

Q: In which city in New Jersey did Locally Grown awards its top honor, The Queen of the Garden?
A: Locally Grown annually awards its top honor, The Queen of the Garden, in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

New Jersey is a truly unique state, chock-full of fascinating tales from its past, diverse cultural influences, and a thriving economy that drives not just the state, but the nation. There’s so much more to discover, and every fact tells a story that adds to the rich tapestry that is New Jersey.

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