By: Nazli Mohideen
New Jersey was formally recognized as the third state of the United States of America on December 18, 1787, according to a statement published by the United States Census Bureau.
Though the state was formerly composed of West Jersey and East Jersey, England united the two in 1702. Soon after, colonists protested their treatment by the British with the Boston Tea Party and grew involved in the Revolutionary War, particularly at Princeton and Monmouth, an article published by the Mystic Stamp Company said.
The article said eventually, New Jersey broke free from Britain’s rule in 1776, and was known as a separate state over a decade later.
“As in most of England’s American colonies, the people of New Jersey were divided on the issue of independence or loyalty to Britain,” the article said. “The colony’s location between the cities of New York and Philadelphia made it a major battleground.”
Following its separation from Britain, New Jersey started to thrive in terms of production and population.
The state produced clay, iron, steel and silk alongside other successes in the transportation industry. As a result, the flourishing economy welcomed millions of immigrants to the state, the article said.
“Between 1900 and 1930, New Jersey’s population more than doubled,” said the article. “Since World War II, New Jersey has continued its rapid modernization, quickly expanding its electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food-processing industries. It also remains a major rail center.”
In fact, New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, prides the state in its diversity and breadth of opportunities in an article he wrote titled, “Our diversity is our greatest strength.”
“We know our goal for a more inclusive and vibrant Garden State is, and will continue to remain, a big part of why we are the number one state in the nation to raise a family. And our work is just beginning,” Murphy said. “When we celebrate our diversity, we build a New Jersey where every individual, in every community, has access to the opportunities they need to excel. Let’s keep moving New Jersey forward – together.”