In the early seventeenth century, Native Americans were among the first inhabitants of New Jersey. The Lenape, a group of Lenape-speaking people, ruled the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 17th century and founded the Dutch and Swedish colonial settlements. Later, the English seized control of the region and created the Province of New Jersey. Named for the largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey, the province attracted a large population. In the American Revolutionary War, the province was one of the Thirteen Colonies, joining New York and Virginia in 1776.
The state’s shoreline is 125 miles long and composed of long barrier islands separated from the mainland by shallow lagoons and tidal inlets. The first summer resorts were found in Cape May, while Long Branch was the playground of presidents throughout the nineteenth century. Today, the quality of life on the Shore varies from urban garishness in towns like Asbury Park to the luxurious lifestyle of Mantoloking and Deal.
The state’s judicial branch includes the Superior Court, which handles more serious criminal and civil cases. Judges on this court are appointed by the governor and majority of the state senate. They serve an initial seven-year term and can be reappointed until they are 70 years old. While New Jersey has two branches of government, the state has separate courts of law and equity for their residents. These courts are both powerful, and they have the power to make laws and make a difference in the lives of its citizens.
The state’s population is diverse, with both ethnic and religious backgrounds. Approximately half of its population is white, while over one tenth of its population is African American. Additionally, there is a large Hispanic population, including significant concentrations of Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican citizens. There are also significant populations of Asian, South Asian, and Latin American populations. There are many ethnic groups, including a large percentage of the native population of New Jersey.
Although New Jersey lacks the cachet of New York City, the state has many attractions worth visiting. From historical sites to nature to gambling, New Jersey has something for everyone. You can experience Victorian charm in Cape May and endless sands in Ocean City. The long coastline of the state makes for great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, as you can go sailing, whale watching, or even explore nature parks. It’s easy to see why New Jersey is known as the Garden State.
As New Jersey continued to grow, it remained an important part of the American economy. As a result, its population doubled and manufacturing became a $4 billion industry. During the 1940s, the state’s economy rebounded and manufacturing and shipping industries started large-scale operations. Moreover, New Jersey’s Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast. Its Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is one of the largest container ports in the world.