Located on the east coast between New York City and Philadelphia, new jersey is home to millions of people who live, work, play, and raise families here. Many more have connections to the state, with longstanding family ties or those that began in school or at one of the state’s renowned colleges or universities.
The area that is now New Jersey was first settled by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Early Dutch, English, and Swedish colonists traded European goods with the Lenape people for furs. Conflict between Indigenous communities and the colonists, disease, and the continuing enslavement of enslaved people led to population shifts that created a diverse state with many distinct religious traditions and languages.
As the industrial revolution took hold in the United States, New Jersey became a leader in the manufacturing sector with factories that produced glass, textiles, and chemicals. In the nineteenth century, New Jersey’s diversified population grew as a result of immigration from northern and western Europe. In the 1870s, Belleville, New Jersey became the first Chinese American settlement on the East Coast, predating Chinatowns in Manhattan and Newark. Immigrants from Italy, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and other Slavic countries also arrived in the state. These communities created vibrant cultural traditions and a tradition of representative self-government that continues to this day.
Named after the English Channel island of Jersey, New Jersey was among the 13 colonies that fought in the Revolutionary War and later joined the Union. It was a key transportation hub during both World Wars, and today, the state boasts an impressive system of highways and railways, as well as cutting-edge research, technology, and bioscience firms.
From a quaint hamlet to bustling cities, New Jersey is full of charm and personality. It has a rich culture of theater, dance, and the arts, with numerous museums and historic sites. It is also the birthplace of such musical legends as Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Frank Sinatra, and Whitney Houston.
New Jersey’s rich history of diversity has left a lasting legacy in the form of laws that promote tolerance, fairness, and equal opportunity for all. These laws began as schoolroom civics lessons and have become a vital part of the state’s identity.
New Jersey’s citizens are not only known for their entrepreneurship and drive, but for their kindness, too. A teacher stepped up to protect her students from an assault, a firefighter helped save a dog from a burning house, and a man gave up his seat for a stranger on a train. These are just a few examples of the kind-hearted and inspiring acts that make New Jersey special. These stories are meant to celebrate the unique spirit of the Garden State and honor those who strive for excellence.