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In 1676 the colony was divided between Carteret and a company of English
Quakers who had obtained the rights belonging to John, Lord Berkeley.
New Jersey became a united, crown colony in 1702, administered by the
royal governor of New York. Finally, in 1738, New Jersey was separated
from New York under its own royal governor, Lewis Morris. Because of its
key location between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw much
fighting during the American Revolution.
Today, New Jersey, an area of wide industrial diversification, is known
as the Crossroads of the East. Products from over 15,000 factories can
be delivered overnight to almost 60 million people, representing 12 states
and the District of Columbia. The greatest single industry is chemicals;
New Jersey is one of the foremost research centers in the world. Many
large oil refineries are located in northern New Jersey. Other important
manufactured items are pharmaceuticals, instruments, machinery, electrical
goods, and apparel.
Of the total land area, 36% is forested (1992). In 1995 there were about
9,000 farms, with over 850,000 acres under harvest. The state ranks high
in the production of almost all garden vegetables. Tomatoes, asparagus,
corn, and blueberries are important crops, and poultry and dairy farming
make significant contributions to the state's economy.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in New Jersey. The state has numerous
resort areas on 127 miles of Atlantic coastline. In 1977, New Jersey voters
approved legislation allowing legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City.
Points of interest include the Delaware Water Gap, the Edison National
Historic Site in West Orange, Princeton University, Liberty State Park,
Jersey City, and the N.J. State Aquarium in Camden (opened 1992).
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