New Jersey is a northeastern state with easy access to Manhattan, 130 miles of Atlantic beaches, and charming small towns that step back in time. It is known for its thriving business and industry, but also its rich history and natural beauty.
The first people lived in the area that is now New Jersey at least 12,000 years ago. They were a group of Native American tribes known as the Lenape. European explorers, including the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, reached the area around 1524. Over the centuries, Dutch, Swedish, and British colonists settled in the area. In 1664, the English took control of the territory and renamed it after an island in the English Channel called Jersey. During the Revolutionary War, the area was the scene of several important battles between the British and the Americans. In 1776, the territory became a state of the United States.
New Jersey’s landscape is shaped by rivers and coastal lakes. The eastern part of the state is a flat and sandy coastal plain, while the western section has hills and ridges. The Hudson, Passaic, Raritan, and Monmouth rivers cross the state. The sandy soils of the Inner Coastal Plain are fertile, and much of the state’s population lives here. In the southeastern corner are swamps and marshes, with a variety of bird species. The Pine Barrens, in the northeast, are covered with oak and pine forests on well-drained sites, while white cedar grows in poorly drained bogs. Other common trees include sugar maples, birches, and hemlocks.
Agriculture remains a large industry in New Jersey. Most of the state’s agricultural land is in the southern portion of the state, where there are many small farms that produce fresh fruits and vegetables. In the northern section, farmland is used for raising poultry, beef cattle, and dairy cows. The mountainous regions of the state are used for livestock and hay farming, while the southwestern portion has scenic views.
In addition to its farmland, New Jersey has a vibrant arts scene and numerous cultural attractions. It is home to many professional and collegiate sports teams. The state is also famous for its contributions to the music industry, with artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston hailing from here. The state’s beaches and coastal cities are popular tourist destinations, and New Jerseyans love to shop and eat at their local restaurants.
A person who receives compensation from the state for work done in the performance of a public duty shall be paid not less than the rate required by the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, P.L.1966, c.113 (C.34:11-56a et seq.), or by a successor State statute. The Governor may require such persons to submit statements, under oath, concerning their conduct in office. After notice and opportunity to be heard at a public hearing, the Governor may remove such persons for cause.