Good 65º dark cloudy morning.
New Jersey is one of the 50 states of the United States of America. It is in the northeastern section of the country along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a geographically small state, shaped like a letter [S], and bordered on the west by Pennsylvania and Delaware across the Delaware River, on the north by New York, on the northeast by the Hudson River and New York City, on the east and southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southwest by Delaware Bay.
The capital of New Jersey is Trenton and the largest city is Newark. Trenton briefly served as the capital of the United States in 1784.
Trenton dates back at least to June 3, 1719, when mention was made of a constable being appointed for Trenton while the area was still part of Hunterdon County. Boundaries were recorded for Trenton Township as of March 2, 1720. A courthouse and jail were constructed in Trenton around 1720, and the Freeholders of Hunterdon County met annually in Trenton. Trenton became New Jersey's capital as of November 25, 1790.
It briefly served as the capital of the United States in 1784.
Though New Jersey is better known for bordering the large cities of New York City and Philadelphia. The state nickname is "The Garden State".
New Jersey is the fourth smallest state, but has the eleventh highest number of people. It therefore has the highest population density (number of people for the amount of land) in the United States. New Jersey is also well known for its beaches, industries, swamps, and pine forests.
During the American Revolutionary War, the city was the site of the Battle of Trenton, George Washington's first military victory. On December 25–26, 1776, Washington and his army, after crossing the icy Delaware River to Trenton, defeated the Hessian troops garrisoned there. The second battle of Trenton, Battle of the Assunpink Creek, was fought here on January 2, 1777. After the war, the Congress of the Confederation met for two months at the French Arms Tavern from November 1, 1784, to December 24, 1784. While the city was preferred by New England and other northern states as a permanent capital for the new country, the southern states ultimately prevailed in their choice of a location south of the Mason–Dixon line. On April 21, 1789, the city hosted a reception for George Washington on his journey to New York City for his first inauguration.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 8.21 square miles, including 7.58 square miles of land and 0.63 square miles of water (7.62%).
Several bridges across the Delaware River connect Trenton to Morrisville, Pennsylvania, all of which are operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.
The Trenton–Morrisville Toll Bridge, originally constructed in 1952, stretches 1,324 feet, carrying U.S. Route 1.
The Lower Trenton Bridge, bearing the legend "Trenton Makes The World Takes Bridge", is a 1,022-foot span that was constructed in 1928 on the site of a bridge that dates back to 1804.
The Calhoun Street Bridge, dating back to 1884, is 1,274 feet.
This fun spin on the classic meatball recipes that you know and love is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. You see, the pineapple and the bell pepper mix together to make the best Hawaiian Meatballs that you've ever tasted!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely crushed butter-flavored crackers
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in syrup, with syrup reserved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, crackers, egg, water, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well. Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in center.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Cook until mixture starts to thicken. Add pineapple and bell pepper and continue to cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened and heated through.
- Place meatballs in a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
Jerry Dick
On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!
Early History
When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.
In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.
Revolution
Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.
Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.
While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.
Industry and Innovation
During and after the war, New Jersey industry grew. Rapidly, innovation and technology took place in New Jersey. One well-known innovator found a home in Menlo Park. There, Thomas Edison nourished his ingenuity.
While industry and innovation grew, so did the state’s population. Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.
While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
New Jersey Flavor
While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.
During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.
Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.
Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage. Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.
Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.
Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.
