Exploring New Jersey "The Garden State"

Here we are! The Big Picture

Fast Facts Capital : Trenton State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch State Tree: Red Oak State Animal: Horse State Insect: Honeybee State Flower: Purple Violet State Motto: “Liberty and Prosperity”

Environment New Jersey is the 47th largest state. From North to South it covers 167 Miles. From East to West it is 57 miles. It covers 7,836 square miles. Its highest point is 1,803 ft in High Point, NJ. It has a population of 8,484,431. New Jersey has 4 major land regions: Atlantic Coastal Plains, Piedmont, New England Upland, and Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region.

Major Highways: Garden State Parkway New Jersey Turnpike Interstate 195

Climate Did you know that our state is located half way between the North Pole and the Equator? Due to its location the climate tends to be wet, dry, hot and very variable. There are 5 climate regions in the state. The “prevailing westerly” also cause dramatic changes to the climate across the state.

The temperature differences between the north and south are greatest in the winter and the least in the summer. The average rainfall is 43 –47 inches. Snowfall occurs in the highlands between October 15 and April 30. In the southern counties snowfall occurs on the average between November 15 and April 15.

On the average, the state has 25 – 30 thunderstorms per year. There are approximately 5 tornados during the year; however they tend to be weak. New Jersey also has coastal storms also known as “Nor’easters” These storms can be very dangerous and cause severe damage.

Temperatures The highest temperature recorded was on July 10, 1936. The lowest recorded temperature was on January 5, 1904.

What are some resources of NJ? Farm products: Tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, cabbage, lettuce, and beef cattle. Mining products: crushed stone, sand and gravel, clay, and peat. Fishing: clams, oysters, scallops, and flounder.

Economy Manufacturing is the number one industry in the state. Tourism is the second largest industry in the state. Newark, Elizabeth and Camden are ports for commerce and the import and export of products.

New Jersey People and Heritage The first people to live in New Jersey were the Lenni Lenape Indians. They were peaceful and helpful people. New Jersey has residents from many different races and countries. Some of these are African Americans, Hispanic, Asian, Dutch, Swedish, English, Irish, German, and Italy.

Early Explorers First known explorer of New Jersey was Giovanni da Verrazano. He explored the Northern Shore in 1594. Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 and sailed the tip of the river that was eventually named for him. The Dutch and Swedish also settled here.

Ten Largest Cities by Population

The State Seal The helmet and the horse's head crest represent New Jersey's independence as a state. The woman holding a staff with a liberty cap on top is Liberty, who represents freedom. The woman on the right is the Roman goddess of grain, Ceres. She holds an ice-cream-cone-shaped basket, called a cornucopia, filled with the many fruits and vegetables produced in New Jersey. The three plows on the shield symbolize the agricultural tradition of New Jersey. The state's motto "Liberty and Prosperity" is written on the scroll. 1776 is the year New Jersey became a state

Places to See!

Did You Know? Astronaut, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was born in Montclair. New Jersey was the first state to allow women to vote. In 1933, the world’s first drive- in movie theater opened near Camden