National New Jersey Day takes place on July 27 every year. This day celebrates New Jersey being the third state to join the union. The holiday was started by Marlo Anderson (the founder of The National Day Calendar) in 2009 on the recommendation of the government of the state of New Jersey. New Jersey has witnessed some of the most historically prominent and glorious events since the region was a key location during the American War of Independence. This led to the state having one of the highest numbers of museums to tell about the United States’ history, halls of fame, and associations with history. This is one of the reasons why New Jersey Day was instituted: to make people aware of the magnificent facts associated with the state, especially during the war periods.
History of National New Jersey Day
The first indigenous inhabitants of New Jersey were the Delaware Indians. The tribe lived in Delaware and Pennsylvania when Giovanni de Verrazzano became the first European to explore the region in 1524. Verrazzano sailed to Sandy Hook and then traveled along the coast of the state in the Atlantic.Henry Hudson first colonized New Jersey by sailing through Newark Bay. Since he worked for the Netherlands, the state was initially named New Netherlands until Britain established their rule over the land. After being ruled by the British for more than 100 years, the state of New Jersey was finally declared independent in the year 1776.Following New Jersey’s independence, the state became an important part of the Revolutionary War and saw more battles than any other state. After many historic battles such as the Battle of Trenton — where George Washington and his forces ambushed the Hessians — New Jersey became the first state to sign the Bill of Rights and the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.Today, New Jersey boasts of influential figures from past and present, powerhouse industries, jaw-dropping landscapes, and more.Due to its long and vibrant historical background, New Jersey is home to many traditions, cultures, and customs. However, since National New Jersey Day was established only a little over ten years ago and isn’t nearly as old as the state it celebrates, there are no particular traditions associated with this holiday. Each New Jerseyan celebrates it as they wish with a few events organized by civilian groups and the government.
National New Jersey Day timeline
Bergen becomes the first European settlement founded by the Dutch.
Buzz Aldrin, a Jersey native, makes history by being among the first crew to land on the moon aboard Apollo 11.
The National Day Calendar establishes National New Jersey Day.
New Jersey is named the smartest state in the U.S.
National New Jersey Day FAQs
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?
New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
Who are some famous New Jerseyans?
Celebrities who hail from this state include Queen Latifah, John Travolta, Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, and Danny DeVito.
How did New Jersey get its name?
The British named the region New Jersey after the U.K.’s Isle of Jersey, located in the English Channel.
National New Jersey Day Activities
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Share on social media
Use the associated hashtag #NationalNewJerseyDay to spread awareness about this holiday. It’s a lesser-known celebration that more people need to be aware of.
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Learn about New Jersey
Take time on this day to learn about the history of the state. It experienced some of the most revolutionary wars of all time, such as between the British forces and the rebels, and also the American Revolution.
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Travel to New Jersey
This state has numerous attractions for you to explore. These include four national parks, 130 miles of shoreline, and 21 counties boasting incredible landscapes.
5 Interesting Facts About New Jersey
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A progressive state
New Jersey was the first state to sign the Bill of Rights.
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A state of many world records
New Jersey is home to many global firsts, such as drive-in movie theaters, the world’s first submarine, and most importantly, the incandescent light bulb.
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A highly populated state
Today, New Jersey has the second-highest population density of any state in the U.S.
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Lots of places to eat out
New Jersey has the highest number of diners in the United States.
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The official state fish
New Jersey's state fish is the brook trout.
Why We Love National New Jersey Day
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It educates the youth
National New Jersey Day helps make young people aware of the history of the state. They get to learn about the wars, revolutions, and developments that happened in the region.
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We eat delicious food
There are numerous delectable dishes available in New Jersey. Some examples are pork rolls and pizza. Yum!
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It takes us back in time
National New Jersey Day allows us to know more about the state. From its origins to the present day, there's much to learn about the region.
National New Jersey Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 27 | Thursday |
| 2024 | July 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 27 | Tuesday |
