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.
Productive farmland covers nearly one million acres,
about 20% of New Jersey's land area. The state ranks
high in the production of almost all garden
vegetables, as well as cranberries, blueberries, and
peaches. Poultry, dairy products, and seafood are
also top commodities.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in New
Jersey. The state has numerous resort areas on 127
mi 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. |
