By Michele Alperin
New Jersey is not defined only by the New Jersey Turnpike and its worn-out industrial cities but instead by its charming Victorian town centers, its sandy
beaches and funky boardwalks, its revitalized downtown areas, and its diverse population.
History
New Jersey's central location in the 13 colonies made it a central battleground during the Revolutionary War. The Americans and British fought about 100 battles in the state, including the American victories in Princeton and Trenton that turned the tide of the war to the Americans.
Name
New Jersey's name comes from the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel, where one of its first two British proprietors, Sir George Carteret, had served as governor.
Native Crops
The New Jersey Pine Barrens, so named for their poor soil and stunted pine trees, is the site of a flourishing industry in native blueberries and cranberries that love the sandy, acidic soil.
Geography
To the east, New Jersey fronts on the Atlantic coastline, with 127 miles of beaches, towns, and barrier islands; in the northwest are the Highlands, with the Watchung, Ramapo and Kittatinny Mountains.
Fun Fact
The first airplane flight carrying passengers took off from New York and landed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on May 3, 1919.
Famous Ties
Thomas Edison invented the phonograph and the electric light bulb in Menlo Park, New Jersey. His company, which went on to create the infrastructure of power plants and wiring that would light the world, merged with the Thomson-Houston Co. in 1892 to form General Electric.
About the Author:
Michele Alperin is a freelance writer with more than 10 years' experience. She specializes in business, arts and Judaism, and her work has appeared in a variety of print and online publications, including MyJewishLearning.com, "U.S.1," "Princeton Packet," "Jewish State" and "Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles." She has master's degrees in business and Jewish education.
