New Jersey might be one of the smallest states, but it’s big on character.
As the Garden State, it has a fascinating history, from its Indigenous roots to its pivotal role in the American Revolution.
It’s the third state in the Union, yet it ranks first in population density, with over 9 million residents packed into just over 7,300 square miles.
Whether you’re curious about its industrial past, its natural beauty, or its vibrant culture, New Jersey has a story worth exploring.
Let’s dive into the facts that make this state so unique, shall we?
Revolutionary History: What Number State is New Jersey?
If you’re wondering what number state New Jersey is, it’s the third—but its contributions to American history go far beyond statehood.
New Jersey was at the heart of the Revolutionary War, with over 100 battles fought on its soil.
One of the most dramatic moments came on Christmas night in 1776 when George Washington led his troops across the icy Delaware River.
The surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton gave the Continental Army a much-needed boost at a critical time.
A week later, Washington’s forces claimed another victory at the Battle of Princeton, pushing British troops out of the area and reigniting hope for the American cause.
But New Jersey’s role wasn’t limited to battles.
In 1783, Princeton served as the temporary U.S. capital for four months.
It was here, in Nassau Hall, that the Continental Congress received the news of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the war.
And it’s not like the state wasted any time shaping the new nation.
In 1787, it became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
And by 1789, it led the way again as the first to ratify the Bill of Rights, setting the stage for the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
Trenton also briefly served as the U.S. capital—a reminder of how central New Jersey was during America’s early years.
The Garden State’s Agricultural Roots
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?
Well, in fact, its nickname highlights the state’s agricultural richness, even amid its industrial and urban growth.
In the 19th century, New Jersey’s farms fed the booming populations of nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia.
Today, the state remains a leader in producing cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
The fertile soils of the Pine Barrens—a vast forested region in the southern part of the state—play a big role in maintaining this agricultural legacy.
And yes, Jersey tomatoes really are worth the hype.
Prehistoric New Jersey: A Land of Dinosaurs
Long before humans settled the region, New Jersey was a dinosaur stomping ground.
In 1858, the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton in North America was discovered in Haddonfield.
The Hadrosaurus foulkii became a sensation and proved that dinosaurs could walk on two legs.
Today, Haddonfield’s discovery site is a National Historic Landmark, and the Hadrosaurus remains a source of pride for the state.
Geography: From City Skylines to Serene Forests
New Jersey’s geography is surprisingly diverse for such a compact state.
It’s split into five regions, each offering something unique—from bustling cities to peaceful forests and everything in between:
- Skylands: Known for its rolling hills and the Delaware Water Gap, this area is perfect for outdoor adventurers.
- Piedmont: Home to cities like Newark and Jersey City, this region is defined by its rivers and urban vibrancy.
- Pine Barrens: A unique ecosystem of dense forests and wetlands that covers much of southern New Jersey.
- Jersey Shore: Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, it’s famous for beaches, boardwalks, and seaside towns.
- Appalachian Ridge: Rugged mountains and scenic trails dominate this northwest corner of the state.
New Jersey Natural Resources and Wildlife
When talking about New Jersey’s natural resources, the state’s contributions are impressive.
Its coastal waters support a thriving seafood industry, particularly clams and oysters, while its forests provide valuable timber.
The Pine Barrens, in particular, are a source of biodiversity, hosting rare species like the Pine Barrens tree frog.
And New Jersey’s wildlife is equally diverse.
Black bears roam the forests of the Skylands, while birdwatchers can spot eastern goldfinches—the state bird.
Meanwhile, violets, the official state flower, add splashes of color to meadows across New Jersey.
Iconic Landmarks That Showcase New Jersey’s Heritage
If you’re learning all about New Jersey, it’s impossible to ignore its cultural and historical landmarks:
- The Atlantic City Boardwalk: Built in 1870, this world-famous boardwalk is the longest in the world, offering stunning ocean views and a slice of New Jersey history.
- The Pine Barrens: These vast forests are a natural wonder steeped in mystery, famously linked to the legend of the Jersey Devil.
- Cape May’s Historic Beaches: As the nation’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May has been drawing visitors since the 18th century with its Victorian charm and beautiful coastline.
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse: Built in 1764, this is the oldest operational lighthouse in the United States and a testament to New Jersey’s maritime history.
- Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Lab: The place where Edison changed the world with inventions like the phonograph and motion picture camera. Today, it’s a site of innovation history.
- Paterson’s Great Falls: This breathtaking waterfall is a National Historical Park and once powered the city’s thriving industrial revolution.
- High Point Monument: Perched at the state’s highest elevation of 1,803 feet, this monument offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests.
Fun Facts About New Jersey
Here are some quirky facts about New Jersey that you might not know:
- Inventing the Modern Zipper: The zipper, a small yet life-changing invention, was developed in Hoboken in the late 19th century, transforming clothing design forever.
- Diner Heaven: With over 500 diners, New Jersey is called the “Diner Capital of the World,” serving everything from disco fries to classic milkshakes.
- The First Submarine Attack: During the Revolutionary War, the submarine Turtle attempted to sink a British warship in New York Harbor—a historic innovation with ties to New Jersey.
- A Literary Legacy: Paterson, New Jersey, inspired poet William Carlos Williams’ epic five-part poem “Paterson,” which explores the city’s industrial and cultural vibrancy.
- The Garden State’s Tomato Power: New Jersey’s love for tomatoes runs deep. The state grows more than 80 million pounds annually and even declared the tomato its “official state vegetable” (despite it being scientifically a fruit!).
- A Leader in Millionaires: Around 10 percent of New Jersey households are millionaires, giving it the highest concentration of millionaires of any state in the U.S.
- Home to Square Dancing: Believe it or not, square dancing is the official state folk dance of New Jersey, celebrating the state’s vibrant cultural roots.
- Where Air Travel Took Off: Newark Liberty International Airport was the first commercial airport in the United States, opening in 1928.
Famous Faces from the Garden State
When it comes to cultural icons, New Jersey has more than its fair share.
Bruce Springsteen grew up in Freehold and made the Jersey Shore his stage before taking his stories of working-class life to the world.
Frank Sinatra, the kid from Hoboken, became one of the most famous voices ever.
And then there’s Whitney Houston, who grew up singing in Newark churches before becoming a pop legend.
But it’s not all about the music.
Buzz Aldrin, raised in Montclair, went from the Garden State to the moon and made history as one of the first astronauts to set foot there.
On the page, Judy Blume gave generations of kids books they could actually relate to, and filmmaker Kevin Smith turned his New Jersey roots into cult classics like Clerks.
And we can’t skip TV.
Jon Stewart, who grew up in Lawrenceville, became one of the sharpest and funniest voices in late-night comedy.
And, of course, there’s The Sopranos, a show that put New Jersey in the spotlight and made its suburban streets feel gritty, real, and unforgettable.
New Jersey State Facts That Prove Big Stories Come in Small Packages
There’s something about New Jersey that sticks with you.
Maybe it’s walking the same streets where revolutionaries once fought for freedom or visiting a boardwalk buzzing with life for over a century.
It could even be biting into a Jersey tomato and realizing the hype is real.
Whatever it is, New Jersey keeps you curious.
From its role in shaping America’s beginnings to the cultural landmarks that still define it, the Garden State has a way of blending history, nature, and personality like no place else, that’s for sure.
And we can’t let you go without a little treat, so here’s our article on New Jersey’s Action Park—it’s a read you don’t want to miss!