New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, is a place that has many interesting facts to share about its history and culture. From the state’s famous residents to its beautiful natural scenery, this article is sure to teach students about some of the unique things that make new jersey such a special place.
New York City is a great draw for those living in New Jersey, as it provides lots of opportunities for employment and entertainment. New Jersey has also been noted as having the lowest crime rate among the seven states of the Mid-Atlantic region, with a six percent drop in violent crimes and a 13 percent drop in property crimes over the last year. In addition, it has one of the highest concentrations of diners in the country, with more than 500 in total — earning it the title of “diners capital of the world.”
The first inhabitants of new jersey were not Europeans who arrived as settlers; they were members of a Native American tribe called Lenape. They named the land Scheyichbi, meaning Edge of the Water, and considered it part of a larger territory they called Lenapehoking. The Lenape were farmers who grew tobacco, fruit, and vegetables, and they hunted small game and fished.
After the Lenape were forced to leave their homeland, Europeans began to settle in New Jersey. The fertile lands and tolerant religious policy attracted migrants from the Northeast and England. Eastern New Jersey was primarily settled by New England Congregationalists, Scottish Presbyterians, and Dutch Reformed people, while Western New Jersey largely saw English Quakers and Anglicans move in.
During the Revolutionary War, New Jersey became the center of several important battles. George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, for instance, is a moment that has been immortalized in stories, poetry, and artwork. New Jersey’s role in the revolutionary war was a major factor in its gaining independence from Britain. After the war, New Jersey was a leader in progressive change and was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.
There are many famous residents of the state, including rock and roll legend Bruce Springsteen and Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep. The former is an original Jersey boy who has sold more than 100 million albums, and the latter is a three-time winner of the Best Actress Oscar. Other notable new jerseyans include Thomas Edison, who set up his first laboratory in Menlo Park; and John F. Kennedy, a presidential nominee who was born and raised in the state. In the modern day, the Garden State is also known for its many colleges and universities. In fact, The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, and has a fun tradition where students can jump into a fountain in the science complex before they graduate! It’s been described as a place where students work hard and play even harder.