Travel Oracles 50 States: New Jersey
As part of my summer series - Travel Oracles 50 States - I am revisiting each os the fifty American states as an overview on travel culture and history. Today: New Jersey
Joined: On December 18, 1787. On this day in 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the new U.S. Constitution and thereby join the Union, following Delaware and Pennsylvania. The state of New Jersey in the United States provided a source of troops, equipment and leaders for the Union during the American Civil War. And throughout the Revolutionary War, there were many clashes between the Americans and British within the colony of New Jersey. In total, there were 296 engagements that occurred within New Jersey, more clashes than occurred in any other colony during the war.
Original Indigenous Peoples: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape., Powhatan Renape Nation., Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation (also known as Ramapough Mountain Indians, Inter-Tribal American Indians of New Jersey.
First Settlers: The Dutch, Swedes, and Finns were the first European settlers in New Jersey. Bergen, founded in 1660, was New Jersey's first permanent European settlement. In 1664 the Dutch lost New Netherlands when the British took control of the land and added it to their colonies.
History moment: One of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey was an important battleground during the American Revolution. New Jersey is located in the heart of the bustling Atlantic corridor, nestled between New York and Pennsylvania, and it has the highest population density of any state.
Known for: Long coastline with over 50 seaside resort towns including Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Cape May, a lot of famous musicians, Italian (hello Sopranos), home of Princeton University, home state of former President Grover Cleveland
Places: Battery Park, Newark, Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Cape May
Movie setting: Many! Like Garden State, Family Man, American Hustle, Atlantic City, Wedding Singer, A Beautiful Mind, Blinded by the light and popular tv shows like The Sopranos, Boardwalk empire, WandaVision, House
Musicians from: Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi
Surprising facts: New Jersey is home to more diners than any other state. Atlantic City is home to the world's longest boardwalk. Cape May, New Jersey is the oldest seaside resort in the United States. During the Revolutionary War, more battles were fought in New Jersey than any other state.
Known for its proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey also has a diverse landscape that feels far from city life. The famous Jersey Shore is lined with sandy beaches and quiet towns, plus the not-so-quiet Atlantic City, where you’ll find busy casinos and nightlife. But don’t forget: New Jersey is called the Garden State. The Meadowlands District near New York hosts more than 265 species of birds, and at Princeton University, you’ll be surrounded by a lush, green landscape. For an education of your own, visit Morristown National Historical Park, home to George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters. Let’s travel to New Jersey
My Experience: Having lived in NYC for over a decade, I found myself in New Jersey on many occasions - there is a wide range in towns and experiences, and the seaside towns are charming!
New Jersey is a big state, with a range of activities and geography, so here are some popular things to do throughout
Nature: There are 9 national parks in NJ - Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Ellis Island, Gateway National Recreation Area, Great Egg Harbor River, Lower Delaware National Wild & Scenic River, Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve.
Ranking in US: Per the annual US News report, New Jersey is currently ranked #19 out of 50 in 2021 and was #12 2019.