New Jersey Information
New Jersey, abbreviation NJ, is a small state in the eastern United States of America. The state borders New York on the north side. Although New Jersey is one of the smallest states, it is also one of the most populous. In the 18th century, New Jersey was nicknamed “the Garden State” because of its fertile soil. However, it later became one of the most industrialized states. The capital of New Jersey is Trenton, close to this city is the famous Princeton University. See all cities in New Jersey.
The main cities, however, are Newark, which is practically merged with New York and the gambling city of Atlantic City. New Jersey has some beautiful natural areas, including Washington Crossing State Park. This park is also known for its special history. One of the most important moments of the American War of Independence took place here. You can also enjoy going to the beach in New Jersey.
History
New Jersey originated from a Swedish colony called New Sweden. Its population was small and consisted mainly of Finns. After about 17 years as a Swedish possession, the area was conquered in 1655 by the Dutch from the more northerly colony of New Netherland. In 1643, at Pavonia (now Jersey City), a massacre of Dutch settlers against Indians, ordered by Governor Willem Kieft of New Netherland, killed 120 Indians, including women and children. This attack was part of the Kieft War (1643-1645).
New Jersey began on March 12, 1664 as a private colony of the British Sir George Carteret and Lord Berkeley. They had been given the territory of the Duke of York, later King James II. It was part of a piece of land that James had been given by his brother, King Charles II.
In the first ten years mainly settlers from New England settled there. On March 18, 1673, Berkeley sold its half, the west, to a group of English Quakers, who then settled near the Delaware River. Between 1674 and 1702, New Jersey consisted of two counties, West Jersey and East Jersey.
New Jersey was one of thirteen colonies to rebel against British rule. Important battles took place at Trenton and Princeton. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the 3rd state of the United States. New Jersey was the last of the Northern states to abolish slavery on February 15, 1804.
Geography
The state of New Jersey covers 22,608 km², of which 19,231 km² is land. The highest point (550 m) is in the far north of the state. From north to south, the total length is 267 km. The widest point from east to west is 199 km wide.
New Jersey is located on the Atlantic Ocean. It borders New York state to the north and Pennsylvania and Delaware to the west. The entire western border is formed by the Delaware River. The state belongs to the Eastern time zone.
The main conurbation is northeastern Newark, which is effectively integrated with New York City. In the west, several places have merged with Philadelphia, located on the other side of the Delaware, in Pennsylvania. Other great places in New Jersey are capital Trenton and gambling city Atlantic City.
Abbreviation: | NJ |
Nickname: | Garden State |
Joined the US as the 3rd state on: | 18 december 1787 |
Capital city: | Trenton |
Census: | 8.899.339 |
Surface: | 22.591 km² |
Geography: | Bordering New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania |
Governor: | Phil Murphy |
state motto: | Liberty and prosperity |
California official website: | nj.gov |