New Jersey became a united crown colony in 1702 but was administered by the royal governor of New York until 1738. Because of its key location between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw much fighting during the American Revolution.
New Jersey is an area of wide industrial diversification, with its greatest single industry being chemicals. There are major oil refineries located in the north of the state, with pharmaceuticals, instruments, machinery and electrical goods being other major items being manufactured.
The second biggest industry for New Jersey is tourism. Hollywood certainly gives New Jersey a bad rap because Carol and I found the state to be rich in natural beauty and an abundance of activities for families and single folk to do. The major of the states population certainly lives closer to New York City but the southern stretches are open farm land and what appeared to us to be state parks.
We crossed into New Jersey via the Cape May - Lewes Ferry from Delaware and Cape May is an amazing sea-side town. The first night of our north east trip was spent in the on base accommodation at Fort Monmouth. We also drove through Atlantic City (which is the east coast's version of Las Vegas) but due to the $25 parking fee at every casino, we decided not to stop. From all reports we didn't miss much.