Map of New Jersey and Flag | Outline, Counties, Cities and Road Map

Interesting Facts about New Jersey and Best places to visit

Tourist map of New Jersey with Travel and Attractions Illustrations
Tourist map of New Jersey with Travel and Attractions Illustrations

Map of New Jersey and Flag | Outline, Counties, Cities and Road Map

BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF NEW JERSEY AT GREAT PRICES

In the mid-Atlantic region of Northeastern America, lies a state which is often joked about in American TV Dramas, New Jersey. The place is often roasted for several things but they have one thing right going on which is their tourism and different spots where you can unwind, relax and finally enjoy a good vacation. Learn more about New Jersey with us!

Is New Jersey a city?

A common misconception that people all over the world get confused with. New Jersey is often confused with Jersey City which is situated in New Jersey. This confusion also arose due to Jersey City’s high population making this city the second-most populous in the entire state next to Newark. 

What is New Jersey named after?

The history of the name dates back to the 1600s when New Jersey had its first ever permanent Europeans settling in the area. The Native Americans used to call this land “Lenapehoking” whereas Giovanni, the Italian explorer named the land “Lorraine”. 

The Swedes later started calling it the New Sweden whereas the Dutch named it New Netherlands. In 1664, the British took control of the New Netherlands and colonized it after winning it from the Dutch. The east side was under Sir George Carteret’s control whereas Lord John Berkley was in charge of the west side. This land was named after a British Island called Jersey in the English Channel. Carteret used to be the governor of that island. 

Why is New Jersey called the Armpit State?

If you have heard this title associated with New Jersey, there is a story behind it. In 2014, a Dove billboard called New Jersey ‘Armpit of America’ while marketing its antiperspirant deodorant. The state is always insulted for having cities with bad smell. 

The billboard had a woman displaying her armpits with the text “Dear New Jersey, when people call you the Armpit of America, take it as a compliment. Sincerely, Dove” which was meant to undermine the joke that people from other states often aim at the New Jersey people. Dove did soon apologize for it but the name just ended up getting more and more famous.

Why is New Jersey called The Garden State?

The nickname was given to the state by a politician attorney, Abraham Browning in 1876 who also compared New Jersey to an open barrel referring to how New Jersey is in the middle of two very politically important states, Pennsylvania and New York. 

New Jersey has been a green state with a lot of farms and people practicing gardening. In 1954, the title “The Garden State” was added to license plates by the state legislature bill. The then governor, Robert Meyner vetoed the bill because he did not see any resemblance of the title to the state.

New Jersey Flag Facts

Buff and Jersey blue are considered to be the official state colors of New Jersey. It originated in 1780 during the Revolutionary war, the regiments of the New Jersey Continental Line required a flag that was directed by General George Washington. The flag was adopted in 1777 which was designed by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere and it went through slight modification in 1928.

Colors and Meaning of New Jersey Flag

The General suggested the use of buff and jersey blue color due to its historical significance. Dutch colonized New York and New Jersey and these two colors were Netherland’s insignia. The coat of arms consists of a shield with three plows representing the state’s agriculture, a helmet, two female figures; Liberty and Ceres.

Population of New Jersey

The population of New Jersey is around 9 million. The state is fairly diverse with 68% of the population being white and 14% being African American, 8% Asian American and only 0.3% are Native Americans. There are several other races too offering the place a rather good ratio of diversity.

Languages spoken in New Jersey

Diversity comes with a lot of languages. So, if you do not speak English, we’re sure that you will be able to find someone from your homeland who will help you throughout the way. Following are some of the languages other than English that are commonly spoken here:

  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Filipino
  • Korean
  • Gujarati 
  • Polish
  • Hindi
  • Arabic
  • Russian

Interesting Facts About New Jersey

  • We’re sure you have never heard of a state seashell, let this be your first time. New Jersey has one which is a knobbed whelk used in the Italian dish scungilli.
  • Beemerville, the new real estate development heaven is actually home to an inactive volcano.
  • Know why people say that people of Pennsylvania and New York come to New Jersey for food? Well, New Jersey has more diners than any other state in the US making it the ‘Diner capital’ of the country.
  • New Jersey has a lot of firsts from the first drive-in theatre, modern submarine ride to the Indian reservation, the people of NJ are not afraid to try out new things.

Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

New Jersey is not just limited to its firsts of everything and the famous inventors that New Jersey has produced. The place is also perfect for people who want a break from that busy New York life. 

  • Atlantic City – We have all seen what the place packs for the locals or foreigners EVERYWHERE! Be it American TV dramas or movies, it is always displayed as a place to unwind, let loose and have fun.
  • Old Victorian Cape May – Six US presidents have had houses there for its aesthetics and fashionable houses. The place now serves as your perfect Instagram backdrop for amazing artistic pictures.
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – Just the right place for nature lovers offering a great hike, beautiful views and several places holding historical significance.  

BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF NEW JERSEY AT GREAT PRICES

See Also

US STATES MAPS AND FLAGS

4 Interesting Facts about New Jersey

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!