New Jersey

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New Jersey - The Garden State

Washington crossing the Delaware River.

Welcome to New Jersey

New Jersey, one of the original thirteen colonies, is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by New York to the north, Pennsylvania to the west, Delaware to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Its prime location near major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia has made it a hub of commerce, transportation, and culture.

Geography and Nature

The state features a diverse landscape that includes sandy beaches along the Jersey Shore, rolling hills in the northwest, and fertile farmland in the south. The Pine Barrens, a unique forested area, covers a large part of the state and is home to distinctive wildlife and plants.

History and Heritage

New Jersey played a significant role during the American Revolution, earning the nickname “Crossroads of the Revolution.” Today, visitors can explore historic battlefields, museums, and landmarks that showcase its colonial past. The state is also known for its contributions to industry and innovation throughout American history.

Modern Highlights

With bustling cities, scenic coastlines, and cultural attractions, New Jersey offers something for everyone. It is famous for its boardwalks, music legends, and vibrant communities, making it an exciting place to visit and learn about.

New Jersey Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts

Fact	Detail	Interesting Facts
Region	Mid-Atlantic (Northeastern U.S.)	New Jersey was the site of more Revolutionary War battles than any other state. It has the highest population density of any U.S. state. The first organized baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ in 1846. New Jersey is home to more diners than any other state, earning it the title “Diner Capital of the World.” The famous board game Monopoly is based on the streets of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Thomas Edison’s laboratory in Menlo Park was where the phonograph and early light bulb were developed. New Jersey’s coastline stretches for about 130 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The first professional basketball game was played in Trenton, NJ in 1896. It was the first state to sign the Bill of Rights in 1789. New Jersey has one of the largest commuter populations to New York City and Philadelphia.
Population	Approx. 9.3 million (2024)
Area	8,723 sq mi (22,591 km²)
Statehood	December 18, 1787 (3rd state)
Capital City	Trenton
Largest City	Newark
Abbreviation	NJ
Nickname	The Garden State
Geography	Coastal plains, Pine Barrens, Delaware River, Atlantic Ocean shoreline
Bordering States	New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware (across the Delaware River)
Economy	Pharmaceuticals, finance, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture (fruits & vegetables)
State Tree	Northern Red Oak
State Bird	Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)


Our Content
	Interactive and Printable New Jersey Maps and Map Activities This section features numerous interactive and printable New Jersey maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own New Jersey map.

	History of New Jersey New Jersey was originally settled by the Dutch and later taken over by the English in 1664, becoming one of the original 13 colonies. During the American Revolution, it earned the nickname “Crossroads of the Revolution” because of the many pivotal battles fought there, including the Battle of Trenton.

	Famous People from New Jersey Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, developed the phonograph and the practical electric light bulb while working in his New Jersey laboratory. Molly Pitcher, a heroine of the American Revolution, became famous for bringing water to soldiers and taking her husband’s place at a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth.

	New Jersey Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.

	Fun New Jersey Printables and Coloring Activities This section features fun and educational New Jersey-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to New Jersey' sign, and much more!

	Fun New Jersey and United States Online Games This section provides some really exciting online games such as New Jersey or Not New Jersey, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.