The Garden State packs more diversity per square mile than almost any other place in America. From the sandy shores of the Jersey Shore to the industrial power of Newark, from Thomas Edison’s laboratory to the pharmaceutical giants of the central corridor, New Jersey is a state of innovation and contrast.
Location and Bordering States
New Jersey is situated in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by the following states and bodies of water:
- New York: Borders the state to the north and east across the Hudson River and Arthur Kill
- Pennsylvania: Borders the state to the west across the entire length of the Delaware River
- Delaware: Borders the state to the southwest across the Delaware Bay
- Atlantic Ocean: Borders the state to the east and south, featuring over 130 miles of coastline
State Profile and General Information
- Capital: Trenton
- Largest City: Newark
- Statehood: December 18, 1787 (3rd state)
- Area: 8,723 sq mi (4th smallest)
- Population: Approximately 9.3 million
- Nickname: The Garden State
- State Website: New Jersey State Official Government Portal
Government and US Senators
The state is represented in the United States Senate by two elected officials who coordinate federal legislation. The current and notable former senators include:
- Current Senators: Cory Booker (D) and Andy Kim (D)
- Notable Former Senators: George Helmy, Bob Menendez, Frank Lautenberg, Jon Corzine, Robert Torricelli, and Bill Bradley
Airports in New Jersey
The state serves as a major transportation corridor with multiple international and regional airports. The primary aviation hubs are organized in the following table:
Sports Teams and Stadiums
The state hosts major league sports franchises and state-of-the-art arenas. The primary teams and venues are organized in the following table:
History
New Jersey was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before Dutch and Swedish settlers arrived in the early 1600s. The English took control in 1664 and divided the colony into East and West Jersey. New Jersey was a crucial battleground during the American Revolution, hosting more battles than any other state, including Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware. It became the third state to ratify the Constitution. The 19th century saw New Jersey transform into an industrial powerhouse. Thomas Edison established his Menlo Park laboratory here, inventing the phonograph and practical light bulb. The 20th century brought suburbanization and the development of the Turnpike and Parkway.
Key Facts and Achievements
- Highest population density of any US state
- Home to more than 50 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Coast
- Hosts the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island within its waters
- Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb and phonograph in Menlo Park
- Jam-packed with major corporate headquarters in the pharmaceutical and telecom sectors
- Atlantic City features the world’s longest boardwalk at 5.5 miles
Cities and Towns
The state features dozens of historical cities and suburban towns. The major urban areas and capitals include:
- Newark: The largest city, a major transportation hub with Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of Newark. Home to Rutgers University-Newark and the Prudential Center.
- Jersey City: A rapidly growing urban center across the Hudson from Manhattan with breathtaking skyline views and a diverse population.
- Paterson: Known as the Silk City, founded by Alexander Hamilton to leverage local river power for industrial mills.
- Elizabeth: A historic industrial city hosting major seaport terminals and transportation corridors.
- Clifton: A growing suburban city located in Passaic County with diverse neighborhoods.
- Trenton: The state capital on the Delaware River, site of Washington’s revolutionary victory and home to the New Jersey State Museum.
- Camden: Situated across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, hosting historic waterfront parks and universities.
- Passaic: A major historic textile center located in northern New Jersey.
- Hoboken: A vibrant city on the Hudson River waterfront known as the birthplace of baseball and Frank Sinatra.
- Atlantic City: The East Coast’s premier gambling destination with the famous Boardwalk, casinos, and beachfront resorts.
- Princeton: Home to Princeton University, a charming historic town with elite academic atmosphere and beautiful colonial architecture.
Tourist Spots
- Liberty State Park (Jersey City): Offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with ferry service to both national monuments.
- Cape May: A beautifully preserved Victorian seaside resort town with bed-and-breakfasts, beaches, and a bird observatory.
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park (West Orange): Edison’s laboratory complex and Glenmont estate, preserved as a museum of invention.
- Atlantic City Boardwalk: The world’s first boardwalk, stretching 5.5 miles with casinos, Steel Pier amusements, and saltwater taffy shops.
- Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton): A 42-acre sculpture park and museum with works displayed in beautiful garden settings.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: A scenic stretch of the Delaware River flanked by mountains, offering hiking, canoeing, and waterfalls.
- Princeton University Art Museum: One of the finest university art museums in the world with collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Popular Personalities
The state has been the birthplace or home of many influential musicians, inventors, and political figures. Notable individuals from the state include:
- Bruce Springsteen: Legendary singer-songwriter and rock artist, born in Long Branch
- Whitney Houston: Global pop superstar and vocal icon, born in Newark
- Frank Sinatra: Iconic mid-century crooner and Academy Award-winning actor, born in Hoboken
- Jon Bon Jovi: Renowned rock musician and philanthropist, born in Perth Amboy
- Meryl Streep: Celebrated Academy Award-winning actress, born in Summit
- Danny DeVito: Beloved actor, comedian, and filmmaker, born in Neptune Township
- Buzz Aldrin: Apollo 11 astronaut and the second person to walk on the Moon, born in Glen Ridge
- Thomas Edison: Pioneering inventor who established his historic laboratory in Menlo Park
- Grover Cleveland: The 22nd and 24th President of the United States, born in Caldwell
Economy
New Jersey boasts a highly diversified economy anchored by pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and logistics. Major pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Bristol-Myers Squibb have significant operations in the state. The logistics and transportation sector is massive, driven by the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, one of the busiest ports in the world. Financial services are concentrated in northern New Jersey, while technology and telecommunications also play major roles. Tourism along the Jersey Shore and in Atlantic City contributes billions annually. The state’s proximity to New York and Philadelphia makes it an attractive location for corporate headquarters and commuters.
If you want to read urban transit guides, browsing our article on New York City provides excellent local details. You can check ferry connections in our guide on the Staten Island Ferry. Alternatively, you can check neighboring transit hubs in our guide on the Pennsylvania Station.
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