Historical Note:

The stage is set for interstate travel . . .

In 1732, New Jersey became the first colony to offer a stagecoach line open to the public. An advertisement appearing in the local paper read:

"Gentlemen, Merchants, Tradesmen and Travellers, Solomon Smith and James Moore keepth two stage wagons intending to go from Burlington to Amboy and back."

But some of the citizens were afraid to try the new method of transportation, fearing its rapid speed. It was reported that the stagecoach could clip along at a full 8 miles an hour.

Name Origin: English. (Named after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel)

Capital: Trenton

Population: 7,904,000

Area: 7,787 square miles

Statehood: December 18, 1787 (3rd)

Nickname: The Garden State

Motto: "Liberty and prosperity"

Famous For: Princeton University, Battle of Trenton, Atlantic City, Atlantic Coastline, Industry, Menlo Park