New Jersey has a way of surprising you, and there’s no denying that.
Sure, it’s got its diners, boardwalks, and the infamous Turnpike, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a state with a rich history and plenty of unexpected quirks.
It’s where George Washington made bold moves, Thomas Edison lit up the world, and even the first dinosaur skeleton in North America was discovered.
And that’s just scratching the surface.
In this guide, we’re diving into fun facts about New Jersey—some you might know, and others will probably catch you off guard.
I hope you’re ready to see what makes the Garden State so fascinating.
Let’s get started.
Liberty and Prosperity: The New Jersey State Motto
“Liberty and Prosperity” might sound like a simple phrase, but it’s loaded with meaning.
Adopted during the Revolutionary War, the New Jersey state motto reflects its role in shaping America’s future while nodding to its hardworking, forward-thinking spirit.
You’ll see the motto proudly displayed on the state flag alongside symbols like a horse’s head and three plows.
And if you’re wondering what they represent, it’s New Jersey’s roots in agriculture and its focus on progress.
Even the colors—buff and blue—were chosen by George Washington, tying the flag back to the state’s Revolutionary War legacy.
Today, the motto still feels relevant.
And it’s part of what makes New Jersey, well, New Jersey.
Revolutionary Roots and Historic Firsts
New Jersey isn’t called the “Crossroads of the Revolution” for nothing.
The state played a central role in the fight for American independence and hosted over 100 battles during the Revolutionary War.
George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River on a cold December night in 1776 led to a critical victory in the Battle of Trenton, a turning point for the war.
Not to mention, the state was the third to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the first to sign the Bill of Rights.
Its legacy of firsts then continued into modern history, with innovations like Thomas Edison’s light bulb and the first drive-in movie theater in Camden.
These New Jersey fun facts make one thing clear: the state has been at the forefront of change, from its Revolutionary beginnings to shaping American culture and technology.
Iconic Firsts in the Garden State
New Jersey has been home to some of the most memorable “firsts” in history.
In 1858, Haddonfield became the site of the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton ever discovered in North America.
The Hadrosaurus foulkii, weighing up to eight tons, became such a sensation that it was later named the state dinosaur.
Another fun fact about New Jersey is that it’s also home to Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States.
Built in 1764, it’s still lighting the way for ships heading into New York Harbor.
And who could forget Lucy the Elephant?
Built in 1881 in Margate, the six-story tin elephant was once a real estate attraction but is now a landmark that captures the playful side of New Jersey’s history.
Diners, Boardwalks, and Jersey Charm
New Jersey’s love for food and fun is legendary, and there’s no better way to experience it than at one of the state’s iconic diners.
With over 450 scattered across the state, New Jersey is rightfully called the “Diner Capital of the World.”
Then there’s Atlantic City, home to the world’s longest boardwalk.
Built in 1870, this historic stretch has been a hub for over a century of entertainment, shopping, and stunning ocean views.
And if it feels oddly familiar, that’s probably because Atlantic City inspired the street names in Monopoly.
Before we move on, here’s a New Jersey fun fact for your next trivia night: the first Miss America pageant was held in Atlantic City in 1921, right on the boardwalk.
Nature’s Playground: Scenic Spots and Wildlife
New Jersey’s nickname, the “Garden State,” makes much more sense when you see its natural beauty up close.
High Point State Park, at the state’s highest elevation of 1,803 feet, has sweeping views of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Further south, Cape May has built a reputation as one of the country’s top destinations for birdwatching.
During migration seasons, thousands of birds fill the skies, and thousands of people flock there every year to catch them.
The state’s biodiversity is another fact that catches people off guard.
With over 485 bird species, 28 marine mammals, and countless freshwater fish, New Jersey is teeming with life.
The Pine Barrens, a sprawling expanse of forest and wetlands, is home to unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
Meanwhile, you can find a dramatic mix of cliffs, rivers, and trails at the Delaware Water Gap that could, quite frankly, rival most national parks.
Quirky Laws and Trivia That Make New Jersey Stand Out
New Jersey has its share of laws that leave visitors scratching their heads.
Take the state’s ban on self-serve gas.
Since 1949, attendants have been required to pump your gas for you, a rule originally put in place for safety.
While it’s second nature to locals, it’s a memorable surprise for out-of-towners.
Another interesting fact about New Jersey is the ongoing enforcement of “blue laws” in Bergen County.
These rules keep most retail stores closed on Sundays, which is a throwback to simpler times.
For locals, it’s just another part of the weekend routine, but it feels like stepping into a quieter era for visitors.
And then there are jughandles—New Jersey’s unique solution to left turns.
Instead of crossing oncoming traffic, drivers loop around specially designed ramps.
It might sound complicated, but it’s a system locals swear by to keep traffic moving.
Famous Faces from the Garden State
Did you know the Garden State is home to so many legends?
New Jersey has been home to some of the biggest music, sports, and Hollywood stars.
Frank Sinatra started in Hoboken and became the voice of a generation, while Bruce Springsteen gave Freehold a place in rock history with his heartfelt anthems.
Then you have Whitney Houston, born in Newark, who brought unmatched power to pop and soul, and Lauryn Hill, from East Orange, set the gold standard for hip-hop and R&B storytelling.
But here are 5 interesting facts about New Jersey that shock people: Derek Jeter, the Yankees legend, grew up in Pequannock; Buzz Aldrin, the Montclair-born astronaut, took his Jersey roots to the moon; and Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Danny DeVito all have ties to the state.
New Jersey Fun Facts You’ll Want to Share
Well, we’ve just seen how much New Jersey is full of surprises.
Thanks to Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park lab, it’s the birthplace of world-changing innovations like the electric light bulb.
The Garden State is also where North America’s first complete dinosaur skeleton was unearthed, right in Haddonfield.
Beyond its history, New Jersey’s quirks are just as memorable.
It’s one of only two states where you can’t pump your own gas, a tradition that’s baffled visitors for decades.
And with over 450 diners, the state has earned its title as the “Diner Capital of the World.”
No doubt, New Jersey is small, but it has more fun facts than most states twice its size.
