Some things distinctly scream, “New Jersey.” You hear them and know that whatever the topic is, it refers to the Garden State.
What makes New Jersey so unique? Part of the state’s culture is undeniable, whether it’s the ‘New Joisey’ accent, Jersey pride, or the debate about the best bagels and pizza.
But just when you think you can stereotype a New Jersey native or assume certain characteristics about the state, you learn something new. We bet you didn’t know these five facts about the third-oldest state in the country.
1. Atlantic City is a Record-Holder
You’ve probably heard of the famous Atlantic City boardwalk. But did you know it holds two records?
A5 5.5 miles, it’s the longest boardwalk in the world. It’s also the oldest boardwalk still in use, having opened for the first time in 1870.
Across the vast expanse of Atlantic City, you’ll find restaurants, candy stores, casinos, games, rides, and more. There are even cannabis dispensaries along the strip. While you’re in the area, use the dispensary search features on Veriheal’s site to get directions to the nearest MMJ shop.
2. New Jersey Started Some of the Most Famous Sports
Is your favorite time of year, college football or baseball season? If so, you can thank New Jersey.
The first intercollegiate football game was held in New Brunswick on November 6, 1869. The NJ Rutgers hosted Princeton, beating them 6-4. From there, the game took on a life of its own, and today’s college football sport is a multi-billion dollar industry.
But if you prefer baseball, there’s something for you, too. The first college baseball game was played at Elysian Fields, Hoboken. The Knickerbockers played against the New York Baseball Club, but NJ was defeated within four innings with an upset of 23-1.
3. Your Favorite Celeb Might Be From New Jersey
It might be a small state, but Jersey is home to decades of popular big-name celebrities. The music, movie, sports, and invention industries are peppered with people who got their start in the Garden State.
Some of the most famous names include:
- Thomas Edison
- Grover Cleveland
- Meryl Streep
- John Travolta
- Frank Sinatra
- Bon Jovi (the whole original band)
- Frankie Valli and all the original Four Seasons
- Whitney Houston
- Kelly Ripa
- Queen Latifa
- Shaquille O’Neil
In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an industry that doesn’t include a representative of New Jersey among its distinguished members, going to show that you can’t judge a New Jerseyite by their accent.
4. New Jersey is the Home of Multiple Record-Setting Facts
The Boardwalk isn’t the only place where records are set in the State of New Jersey. Although it’s the fifth-smallest state in the country, there are plenty of reasons for it to be famous.
For one thing, there are more horses here per square mile than anywhere else in America. Nearly 5,000 horse farms across New Jersey mean there are more horse races here than you’ll find in the horse-famous State of Kentucky. Even the U.S. Equestrian Team chose Gladstone, NJ, as its headquarters.
The next record goes to the Lambert Castle Museum in Paterson, NJ. It has the largest spoon collection in the world, owned by Bertha Schaefer Koempel. During her lifetime, she collected over 5,400 spoons from across the globe.Â
Looking for a 24-hour diner? Head to New Jersey, the Diner Capital of the World. The state holds the record for the most diners in one area, currently topping the list at over 600 establishments.
5. You Might Be Here Because of New Jersey
More than 100 battles were fought during the Revolutionary War on New Jersey grounds, giving the state the nickname, ‘The Pathway of Revolution.’
If it wasn’t for the wins at some of these vital turning points of the war, we all might not be here today. The Battle of Trenton, Washington’s Crossing of Delaware, the Battle of Monmouth, and many other important historical events took place in New Jersey, cementing the direction of America’s path to freedom. And to bring it all full circle, General George Washington was informed about the war’s end in Kingston, NJ, where he had established his headquarters.
Conclusion
The Garden State is stereotyped by various things, many of which are accurate, while others are myths. Yet, the reason New Jersey has such a bold presence in the United States is easy to see: Its entire history is paved with distinguished and record-setting events that most people don’t realize exist, but that has turned New Jersey into a tiny but mighty part of the country.