New Jerseys history has been shaped largely by its position between two major rivers and its access to the sea. For the first 150 years of U.S. history, the Delaware and the Hudson provided pathways for trappers, traders, colonists, armies, farmers, and finally, business people and merchants.
Verrazano Discovers New Jersey
The first European to explore New Jersey was Giovanni de Verrazano, from Florence, Italy, who sailed along the Jersey coast and anchored off Sandy Hook in 1524. Nearly a century later, in 1609, Henry Hudson arrived and New Netherland, a Dutch colony was established in 1624 in what was then called The Northeast Territory.
The Revolution
More than 100 battles took place on New Jersey soil during the Revolutionary War. In 1776, General George Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised and defeated the Hessian garrison at Trenton. A few days after the new year, he defeated a British force at Princeton. His army spent the winter of that year and the 1779-80 winter in Morristown.
The Industrial Boom
In 1791, Alexander Hamilton selected the Great Falls of the Passaic River as the site of a model factory town. Throughout the 1800s, the state continued to expand economically - roads were built, canals dug and railroads constructed. Rail and steamboat service helped Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Camden and Trenton become leading industrial areas and by 1850, New Jerseys population reached nearly half a million.
A strong and effective reform movement, which flourished in the early 1900s, brought Woodrow Wilson to power. He was elected governor in 1910 and resigned in 1913 to become President of the United States. Among the many important social reforms associated with Wilson were a series of welfare acts providing workmens compensation and protection for laborers.
Here and Now
Today, New Jersey is recognized for its present as well as its past. One of New Jerseys premier landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, is Americas greatest symbol of freedom. The freshly restored Ellis Island was a port of entry for many in search of the American dream. Atlantic City, with its legendary boardwalk and casinos, is a vacation resort renowned worldwide. Four professional sport teams make their homes here: the 1990 NFL Super Bowl Champion Giants, American Football Conference Jets, National Basketball Association Nets, and 1995 NHL Stanley Cup Champion Devils. Horse racing is a popular spectator sport while the abundance of flowers, fruits and vegetables has given New Jersey its well-deserved nickname, the Garden State. New Jerseys tourism industry is currently ranked seventh in the United States.
New Jersey State ChamberThe state of New Jersey, facts and History from the 1600's to the 1900'sI live in the Marlton section of Evesham Township. It is a wonderful town and have lived here for almost 35 years. This town has great schools for the children and many wonderful sports programs. The town of Marlton is growing every day. We have one high school(Cherokee High School), two middle schools and 7 schools that are grades k-5. We also have a Catholic School. Here are a few links about my home town......
Marlton Fire and Rescue Marlton Fire Station Evesham Township School Reports, etc. Information on Marlton, population, area schools, general information