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New Jersey's early colonial history was involved
with that of New York (New Netherlands), of which it was a part.
One year after the Dutch surrender to England in 1664, New
Jersey was organized as an English colony under Gov. Philip
Carteret.
In 1676 the colony was divided between Carteret and a company of
English Quakers who had obtained the rights belonging to John,
Lord Berkeley. New Jersey became a united crown colony in 1702,
administered by the royal governor of New York. Finally, in
1738, New Jersey was separated from New York under its own royal
governor, Lewis Morris. Because of its key location between New
York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw much fighting during
the American Revolution.
Today, New Jersey, an area of wide industrial diversification,
is known as the Crossroads of the East. Products from over
15,000 factories can be delivered overnight to almost 60 million
people, representing 12 states and the District of Columbia. The
greatest single industry is chemicals; New Jersey is one of the
foremost research centers in the world. Many large oil
refineries are located in northern New Jersey. Other important
manufactured items are pharmaceuticals, instruments, machinery,
electrical goods, and apparel.
Productive farmland covers nearly one million acres, about 20%
of New Jersey's land area. The state ranks high in the
production of almost all garden vegetables, as well as
cranberries, blueberries, and peaches. Poultry, dairy products,
and seafood are also top commodities.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in New Jersey. The state
has numerous resort areas on 127 mi of Atlantic coastline. In
1977, New Jersey voters approved legislation allowing legalized
casino gambling in Atlantic City. Points of interest include the
Delaware Water Gap, the Edison National Historic Site in West
Orange, Princeton University, Liberty State Park, Jersey City,
and the N.J. State Aquarium in Camden.
Senator Jon S. Corzine won the Nov. 2005 gubernatorial contest.
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