New Jersey is a small state with a rich history and diverse culture. New Jersey has something to offer everyone, from its important role in the American Revolution to its thriving wine industry and famous boardwalks. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or entertainment, New Jersey is a state that is worth exploring.
- New Jersey is the Diner Capital of the World
New Jersey is home to over 500 diners, more than any other state in the United States. Diners have been a part of New Jersey’s culture since the early 1900s and continue to thrive today. The state even has a Diner Capital of the World Museum in Fort Lee.
- The First Boardwalk was Built in New Jersey
The first boardwalk in the world was built in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1870. The original boardwalk was made of wood and was designed to keep sand out of the hotels and shops.
Today, the boardwalk is a major tourist attraction, with shops, restaurants, and amusement parks lining the walkway.
- New Jersey Has the Most Horses per Square Mile
New Jersey has over 4,000 horses per square mile, making it the state with the highest number of horses per capita in the United States. The state is home to numerous horse farms and equestrian events, such as the Far Hills Race Meeting and the New Jersey Horse Expo.
- The First Intercollegiate Football Game Was Played in New Jersey
The first intercollegiate football game was played between Rutgers University and Princeton University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on November 6, 1869. Rutgers won the game by a score of 6-4. The game marked the beginning of what would become a beloved American sport.
- The World’s First Drive-In Movie Theater Opened in New Jersey
The world’s first drive-in movie theater called the Drive-In Theater, opened in Camden, New Jersey on June 6, 1933. The theater could accommodate up to 400 cars and was an instant hit with moviegoers. Today, only a few dozen drive-in theaters are left in the United States.
- New Jersey Has the Most Shopping Malls per Square Mile
New Jersey has more shopping malls per square mile than any other state in the United States. The state has over 20 malls with over 1 million square feet of retail space each, including the Mall of America, the largest mall in the country.
- New Jersey is Home to the World’s Largest Water Theme Park
Six Flags Great Adventure, in Jackson, New Jersey, is the world’s largest water theme park. The park covers over 510 acres and features over 50 rides and attractions, including 4 roller coasters and a 2 million-gallon wave pool.
- The First Official Baseball Game was Played in Hoboken, New Jersey
The first official baseball game was played on June 19, 1846, at Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey. The game was played between the New York Nine and the Knickerbocker Baseball Club of New York City. The New York Nine won the game by a score of 23-1.
- Atlantic City is the Home of the Miss America Pageant
The Miss America Pageant was first held in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1921. The pageant was created as a way to attract tourists to the city during the off-season. Today, the pageant is held annually and is broadcast on national television.
- New Jersey is Known as the Garden State
New Jersey is known as the Garden State because of its agriculture industry. The state is a major producer of cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes, among other crops. In addition, New Jersey is home to numerous farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture programs.
- Thomas Edison Invented the Lightbulb in New Jersey
Thomas Edison, one of the world’s most famous inventors, invented the lightbulb in Menlo Park, New Jersey in 1879.
- The Hindenburg Disaster Occurred in New Jersey
The Hindenburg disaster, one of the most infamous events in aviation history, occurred in Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1937. The German airship caught fire and crashed, killing 36 people. The disaster marked the end of the era of commercial airship travel.
- The Statue of Liberty is Located in New Jersey Waters
Although the Statue of Liberty is often associated with New York City, it is actually located in New Jersey waters. The statue is located on Liberty Island, which is part of New York City, but the waters surrounding the island are technically part of New Jersey.
- New Jersey Has the Most Toll Roads in the United States
New Jersey has the most toll roads in the United States, with 29 toll plazas and over 400 miles of toll roads. The state’s toll roads include the New Jersey Turnpike, one of the country’s busiest highways.
- The Turnpike’s “Pizza Highway” Has Over 200 Pizza Restaurants
The New Jersey Turnpike is famous for its “Pizza Highway,” a stretch of the highway that has over 200 pizza restaurants. The area is known for its thin-crust pizza and has become a destination for pizza lovers worldwide.
- New Jersey Has the Highest Population Density in the United States
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, with over 1,200 people per square mile. The state’s population is concentrated in the urban areas of Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton.
- The Great Falls of Paterson is a National Historical Park
The Great Falls of Paterson, located in Paterson, New Jersey, is a National Historical Park. The waterfall is the second-largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi River and played an important role in the industrialization of the United States.
- The Newark Museum of Art is One of the Largest Museums in the Country
The Newark Museum of Art, located in Newark, New Jersey, is one of the largest museums in the United States. The museum has over 80 galleries and houses a collection of over 100,000 art objects worldwide.
- The Princeton University Art Museum Has an Impressive Collection of Art
The Princeton University Art Museum, located in Princeton, New Jersey, has an impressive art collection worldwide. The museum’s collection includes works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Warhol.
- New Jersey Has the Most Cherry Blossom Trees in the United States
New Jersey has the most cherry blossom trees in the United States, with over 5,000 trees in Branch Brook Park alone. The trees were a gift from Japan in 1927 and have become a major attraction for visitors during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
- New Jersey is Home to the World’s Largest Light Bulb
New Jersey is home to the world’s largest light bulb in Edison, New Jersey. The bulb stands at 134 feet tall and weighs 13 tons. The bulb is a tribute to Thomas Edison, who invented the lightbulb in New Jersey.
- The Appalachian Trail Runs Through New Jersey
The Appalachian Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in the world, runs through New Jersey. The trail covers over 2,000 miles and stretches from Georgia to Maine. The New Jersey section of the trail is known for its rocky terrain and stunning views of the Delaware Water Gap.
- The Jersey Shore is a Popular Summer Destination
The Jersey Shore, a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, is a popular summer destination for residents of New Jersey and visitors from around the world. The area is known for its sandy beaches, boardwalks, and amusement parks.
- New Jersey Has a Thriving Wine Industry
New Jersey has a thriving wine industry, with over 50 wineries located throughout the state. The state is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir wines.
- The Palisades Cliffs are a Unique Geological Formation
The Palisades Cliffs, located along the Hudson River in northeastern New Jersey, are a unique geological formation. The cliffs are made up of vertical columns of basalt rock and rise to heights of over 500 feet.
- The Pine Barrens is a Vast Wilderness Area
The Pine Barrens, located in southern New Jersey, is a vast wilderness area that covers over 1.1 million acres. The area is home to numerous species of wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears.
- The State Bird of New Jersey is the American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey. The bird is known for its bright yellow plumage and can often be found in open fields and meadows throughout the state.
- New Jersey is Home to the World’s Tallest Water Sphere
In Union, New Jersey, you’ll find the world’s tallest water sphere. Standing at 212 feet tall, the water tower is a well-known landmark in the area.
- The State Flower of New Jersey is the Violet
The state flower of New Jersey is the violet, which symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness, and love.
- The Jersey Tomato is Famous for its Flavor
The Jersey tomato, grown in the state’s rich soil, is famous for its sweet, juicy flavor. In fact, New Jersey has been called the “tomato capital of the world.”
- New Jersey is Home to the Oldest Seaport in the United States
Salem, New Jersey is home to the oldest seaport in the United States, dating back to the 17th century.
- The New Jersey State House is the Second Oldest State House in Continuous Use
The New Jersey State House, located in Trenton, is the second oldest state house in continuous use in the United States. The building was first constructed in 1792 and has been in use ever since.
In this article, we covered 33 amazing facts on New Jersey. Keep learning!
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