Posted in New Jersey Nature August 18, 2019

10 Wild Facts About New Jersey That They Didn't Teach You In School

If you don't already know this about me, I absolutely love New Jersey. I've lived in the Garden State most of my life and I thought I knew all there was to know about it. Of course, there's always a fascinating fact waiting to be discovered when it comes to such an interesting place. We have a rich history and today I'll be sharing a few of my favorite lesser-known facts about New Jersey. Get ready for the good, the bad, and the weird.

Joseph Bonaparte, former King of Spain and older brother to Napoleon had an estate in Bordentown.

His home caught fire in 1820 and his neighbors rushed over to help. He said of them...this event has proved to me how much the inhabitants of Bordentown appreciate the interest I have always felt for them; and shows that men in general are good...

New Jersey has its own volcano!

Extinct for 440 million years, you can find what remains at Rutan Hill in Wantage Township (pictured). The site is well-regarded by geologists due to the presence of a rare type of igneous rock.

The 4 (contiguous) U.S. time zones were developed by a New Jersey railroad engineer. William F. Allen of South Orange devised the time zones to help make train transportation more uniform.

This occurred in 1883, following a rail accident. Two trains heading towards each other on the same track collided as the train guards had different times set on their watches.

The New Jersey Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets) were almost known as the New Jersey Swamp Dragons.

The name change was proposed in 1994. Related fact...the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012 but they practiced in New Jersey until 2016.

In 1936, mail was successfully sent to Hewitt, NJ from Greenwood Lake, NY via rocket.

After several failed attempts...success! Reports say that a crowd of around 1,500 came out to see the spectacle...a rocket plane propelled across Greenwood Lake carrying certified U.S. mail.

Hoboken was home to America's first brewery, established in 1642.

There are so many amazing facts about Hoboken, I could write a whole article about it! Let me know if you'd be interested. I'll even throw in a bonus fact right now...Hoboken was also home to America's first official supper club. Members included George Washington, Aaron Burr, and Alexander Hamilton.

Cape May was once the second largest fishing port on the Eastern seaboard.

And West Cape May was known as the unofficial Lima Bean capital of the world. I could also do an entire article on Cape May trivia - there's a ton! Let me know if you'd be interested in that, as well.

Trenton was once the Bridge Capital of the United States!

John Roebling, a wire rope manufacturer, opened a factory in Trenton in 1848. From there, he produced the wire that built the suspension bridge across the Niagara River gorge, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many others. You can learn more about his life and his business at the Roebling Museum, pictured.

The Great Train Robbery, the world's first narrative film, is considered a major milestone in film history, Much of the footage was shot in New Jersey.

The film used a number of innovative techniques, revolutionizing the industry. It was filmed in a variety of New Jersey locations including Essex County parks and along the Lackawanna railroad.

In 1883, Roselle became the first town in the world wired for electricity.

Edison designed the system, where electricity was carried by overhead wires. It was a success and the world was forever changed.

Which is your favorite fact about New Jersey? I tried to feature lesser-known facts, but there are plenty more. Check out a few others by clicking here.