Often overshadowed by its neighbors, new jersey is a diverse state that has much to offer. The smallest of the 50 states, it is home to some of the country’s most populous cities, along with rural areas and beautiful beach towns. The state is a center of the Northeast megalopolis and is bordered by New York City (including parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx) on the north; by Pennsylvania across the Delaware River on the west; and by the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
The state was inhabited by Native American tribes including the Lenape for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. In 1664 the English took over New Netherland from the Dutch, and named it after an island in the English Channel known as Jersey. During the American Revolution, New Jersey was the site of many battles. On Christmas Eve in 1776, George Washington led the first major victory of the war against British forces at Trenton and Princeton. It was a significant boost to American morale.
As the nation industrialized, New Jersey developed a vibrant economy. Its central location made it a key transportation hub, with canals connecting the state to major ports on the Hudson River and the Delaware River. It was also a manufacturing powerhouse, with plants producing textiles, glass, chemicals, and electronics.
In the late twentieth century, suburbanization accelerated in New Jersey as affordable housing and federally backed mortgages made it possible for middle-class families to move out of the city. However, discriminatory practices such as restrictive covenants and redlining continued to shape a state divided between rich and poor.
Today, New Jersey remains a leading producer of pharmaceuticals and electronic equipment. It is also home to many financial services firms and several research and development institutes. The state’s most populous city is Newark, and its capital is Trenton. The state is also a sports hub, with two National Football League teams and one Major League Soccer team.
New Jerseyans are a fun-loving people. They love to spend their free time on the beaches, shopping in trendy boutiques, and catching a show at a world-renowned theater. In addition to these activities, the state offers plenty of recreational opportunities such as golfing and hiking.
New Jersey is also famous for its food. Its cuisine includes a wide range of seafood and ethnic dishes, including Chinese, Indian, and Jamaican. Its smoky barbecue is especially popular, as are its hot dogs and cheesecake. The state’s music scene is diverse, and it has produced several popular bands. Jon Bon Jovi, from Sayreville, rose to fame with the 1980s hard rock band, Bon Jovi. The group’s hits include “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “We Built This City.” New Jersey is also home to many professional sports teams, including the New York Giants and Jets. Its sports facilities include MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.