Located in the northeastern U.S., New Jersey has 130 miles of Atlantic coastline. The state’s major cities include New York City, which is a mere two hours away by subway. You can find the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island, as well as notable resort towns, including Asbury Park and Cape May. The Jersey Shore offers plenty to do, from golf and beach clubs to Victorian architecture and historic hotels.
New Jersey was named after the Isle of Jersey, which is located in the English Channel. In 1787, it became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It also signed the Bill of Rights, which makes it the first state to do so. The region has been known by many names over the years, including Lenapehoking by Native Americans 10,000 years ago. Later, the French called it New France and the Dutch named it New Netherland. The name “New Jersey” first appeared in a royal grant issued by King Charles II’s brother James, Duke of York in the early eighteenth century.
As part of the New Netherlands colony, New Jersey was initially part of the Dutch Empire. In 1664, the Dutch sold their possessions in the state to the English, who divided it between two proprietors. In 1676, Philip Carteret and Lord John Berkley were given the control of the east portion of the state, while the English retained control of the west portion. Later, the English regained control of the state, and it became a separate state in 1738.
In New Jersey, the state’s medical facilities are among the finest in the country, offering a variety of medical services, including cancer treatment and surgical procedures. Licensed medical professionals are able to use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide the best possible care. In fact, 15 hospitals in the state have been recognized as National High Performers. That’s why New Jersey is a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Native Americans inhabited the area for 10,000 years before European explorers came to the area. They lived in smaller communities along the Delaware River, where the natives called the area Scheyichbi. Perhaps it means “land of the shell money” in their native tongue. Eventually, the natives were called Delaware Indians. The first European to explore the area was Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. He also claimed the region for the Dutch.
New Jersey has four seasons and is home to some of the country’s most popular vacation spots. Its coastline features pristine beaches and scenic boardwalks. In fact, Cape May was recently named one of the “Top 16 East Coast Beaches to Visit” by U.S. News and World Report. Its Ocean City Boardwalk was ranked number one in New Jersey in 2019, making it a popular destination for visitors. There is always something to do in New Jersey, and you can find endless possibilities with a visit to the state.
Despite its reputation as a hotbed of organized crime, New Jersey is home to some of the nation’s most notable politicians. The state has been notorious for organized crime, as it is situated between New York and Pennsylvania, and its coastal location was ideal for moving illegal spirits during Prohibition. With the growth of the state’s population and development in the 1960s and 1970s, organized crime families found themselves in prime locations, amidst the growing number of residents. Eventually, the crackdown on organized crime drove many of these families to settle near oceanfront neighborhoods.