New Jersey has a rich and varied history, shaped by its people who live here, play here, work here, or travel through. Many people have connections to the Garden State, from longstanding family ties to those who have come here to study at its renowned colleges and universities or work in its cutting-edge industries. Some people are simply drawn to the area’s spectacular beaches and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Others flock to the state because of its proximity to Manhattan, where they can find a world-class dining and entertainment scene. And still others are fans of its professional sports teams or its renowned music and theater.
New Jersey’s complex settler and colonial past began in the seventeenth century, when European settlers arrived from Europe. In time the state’s fertile lands and relative religious tolerance drew many different groups of people to its shores. Many of these immigrants — including Dutch, Swedish, and Dutch-American colonists as well as the free African Americans who were brought here as slaves – established communities that reflected their rich ethnic and cultural traditions. The Lenape, who made up the majority of the Indigenous population at this time, also contributed to the state’s cultural heritage.
The state was largely agricultural until the 19th century, when industrialization transformed New Jersey. By the 1920s, New Jersey was a leader in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, chemicals, and electronics, while its diversified economy also included large numbers of small farms that produced such products as apples, berries, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, peaches, cranberries, and hay. In addition, the state’s thriving port and its strategic location on the Delaware River made it an important transportation hub for the nation.
At the same time, New Jersey remained one of the most densely populated states in the nation. In the decades following World War II, New Jerseyans enjoyed unprecedented prosperity for some. This economic growth, along with federally backed mortgages and a state highway system, encouraged suburban development. However, racial discrimination continued to impede New Jersey’s progress.
In the 21st century, New Jersey continues to be a vibrant place to live and work. The state is a Democratic stronghold, with Democrats holding majorities in both houses of the Legislature (Senate and Assembly) as well as both U.S. House of Representatives and two U.S. Senate seats. New Jersey is also home to six major league professional sports teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and New York Jets.
In addition, New Jersey is also a popular tourist destination with its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, such as Atlantic City and Newark. The state has also become a center of the performing arts, with such notable artists as Broadway stars, opera singers, and the founder of the rock band Bon Jovi, who hails from Sayreville. The designation of several State symbols began as schoolroom civics lessons, and to date, twenty-one items have been officially selected to represent special elements of life in the Garden State.