New Jersey

Education

New Jersey's early colonial history was involved with that of New York (New Netherlands), of which it was a part. One year after the Dutch surrender to England in 1664, New Jersey was organized as an English colony under Gov. Philip Carteret.

In 1676 the colony was divided between Carteret and a company of English Quakers who had obtained the rights belonging to John, Lord Berkeley. New Jersey became a united, crown colony in 1702, administered by the royal governor of New York. Finally, in 1738, New Jersey was separated from New York under its own royal governor, Lewis Morris. Because of its key location between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw much fighting during the American Revolution.

Today, New Jersey, an area of wide industrial diversification, is known as the Crossroads of the East. Products from over 15,000 factories can be delivered overnight to almost 60 million people, representing 12 states and the District of Columbia. The greatest single industry is chemicals; New Jersey is one of the foremost research centers in the world. Many large oil refineries are located in northern New Jersey. Other important manufactured items are pharmaceuticals, instruments, machinery, electrical goods, and apparel.

Of the total land area, 36% is forested (1992). In 1995 there were about 9,000 farms, with over 850,000 acres under harvest. The state ranks high in the production of almost all garden vegetables. Tomatoes, asparagus, corn, and blueberries are important crops, and poultry and dairy farming make significant contributions to the state's economy.

Tourism is the second-largest industry in New Jersey. The state has numerous resort areas on 127 miles of Atlantic coastline. In 1977, New Jersey voters approved legislation allowing legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City. Points of interest include the Delaware Water Gap, the Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, Princeton University, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, and the N.J. State Aquarium in Camden (opened 1992).

Nickname: Garden State

Origin of name: From the Channel Isle of Jersey

10 largest cities (1999 est.): Newark, 263,087; Jersey City, 230,458; Paterson, 148,645; Elizabeth, 110,586; Trenton, 84,398; Camden, 82,402; Clifton, 75,669; East Orange, 69,801; Passaic, 61,173; Bayonne, 60,189

Land area: 7,419 sq mi. (19,215 sq km)

Geographic center: In Mercer Co., 5 mi. SE of Trenton

Number of counties: 21

Largest county by population and area: Bergen, 857,052 (1999 est.); Burlington, 805 sq mi.

State forests: 11

State parks: 35 (67,111 ac.)

Residents: New Jerseyite, New Jerseyan

1999 resident population est.: 8,143,412

1990 resident census population (rank): 7,730,188 (9). Male: 3,735,685; Female: 3,994,503. White: 6,130,465 (79.3%); Black: 1,036,825 (13.4%); American Indian: 14,970 (0.2%); Asian: 272,521 (3.5%); Other race: 275,407 (3.6%); Hispanic: 739,861 (9.6%). 1990 percent population under 18: 23.3; 65 and over: 13.4; median age: 34.3.