In 1776, New Jersey was the stage for countless acts of bravery, and in 2026, we’re still leading the way to revolutionize the world our forebears fought to create. We’re George Washington braving a trip across the icy Delaware River to deliver America a victory. We’re the bright idea that powered Thomas Edison’s light bulb. In New Jersey, we’re revolutionizing the way the world is powered, how films are made, and how AI can fuel innovation. We’re leading the way in health care, diversity, and human rights. Here, the revolution never stopped.

Crossroads of the Revolution

More Revolutionary War battles happened right here than in any of the other original colonies. And more American Revolution historic sites still stand proudly within our borders. From the moment General Washington and his troops landed on our bank of the icy Delaware River and reigned triumphant in the two Battles of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton in December of 1776, it was just becoming clear that victory could – and would – be ours.
Discover the Stories

Revolutionary Trips to Take

We’ve mapped out all the state’s must-see places across regional three- and four-day American Revolution Itineraries. Even better? You can visit for a full week to hit them all!

Immersive Programming

Our friends at RevolutionNJ are curating some unique experiences to celebrate the Semiquincentennial – from Tavern Talks and Public Arts Programs to History Mystery Podcasts and a Genealogy Pop-Up Booth.

RevolutionNJ

Patriotic Programs
Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware

Ten Crucial Days

In December 1776, our Continental Army had suffered severe losses and retreated to the west bank of the Delaware River. In what many would view as a setback, General George Washington developed a strategy. And so December 25, 1776 to January 3, 1777 will forever be remembered as the “Ten Crucial Days” that changed the course of history.

Patriot's Week

As an annual commemoration of the Ten Crucial Days, Patriot’s Week brings historical tours, lectures, films, art, music, living history events and more to our state’s capital. Mark your calendars for December 26 – 31 to take part in the festivities every year.

Old Barracks in Trenton

 

Faces of the Revolution

Would our fledgling nation have won the war without New Jerseyans? Explore their brief bios and decide for yourself!
Meet the People

Little State, Lotta History

Lenape
5000 B.C.E.

The state’s first inhabitants arrived, and later became known as the Lenape.

Verrazano Bridge
1524

Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to “discover” the New Jersey coast. Have you heard of the Verrazano Bridge? It’s the same guy!

Henry Hudson
1609

Henry Hudson was another explorer who came to New Jersey. The Hudson River is named after him.

Jersey City
1633

Dutch settlers built houses in what is now Jersey City.

1638

Swedish settlers built along the Delaware River, but the Dutch later took it over.

1664

The next to take over: the British. John Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret call the area “New Jersey” after the “Isle of Jersey” in England. (Two New Jersey towns are named after them: Berkeley Heights and Carteret.)

1721

William Trent was a successful merchant at this time. “Trent’s Town” became Trenton, our state capital.

Lewis Morris
1738

Lewis Morris was New Jersey’s first governor. Lots of places are named after him: Morris County, Morristown and Morris Plains.

1746

Princeton University is founded. Did you know it was first located in Elizabeth? It moved to Princeton in 1756.

Rutgers
1766

Princeton may have been first, but Rutgers wasn’t far behind. Rutgers has grown from a small colonial college to a big university. Today, it has over 50,000 students and over 10,000 teachers and staff. 

The Crossing of the Delaware River
1776-1783

Did you know that New Jersey is called “The Crossroads of the American Revolution?” Nearly 300 battles took place here. General George Washington spent a lot of time in New Jersey, too. He made his famous crossing of the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey on Christmas Day to surprise the Hessian troops in Trenton. (The Hessian troops  were hired by England  to fight.) Other important battles were in Princeton and Monmouth — the last big one in the north.

Constitution of the United States
1787

New Jersey became the third state to ratify the new Constitution of the United States. “Ratify” means “to make official.” In 1789,  New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights! 

Alexander Hamilton
1791

Alexander Hamilton helped to make present day Paterson the first industrial city in the United States. Early manufacturing used the power from the Passaic River’s Great Falls. Paterson was nicknamed “Silk City” because it was well known for manufacturing the silky cloth. By the way, do you know who’s on the $10 bill? It’s Alexander Hamilton, who was the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He died in Weehawken after a pistol duel with the third Vice President, Aaron Burr.

Thomas A. Edison Light
Late 1800s

The Age of Invention comes to New Jersey, thanks to Thomas A. Edison. He invented the light bulb, the first commercial motion picture camera and so much more. The town of Edison honors his contributions.

Woodrow Wilson
1912

New Jersey Governor Woodrow Wilson is elected President of the United States.

German U-boat
1918

A German U-boat sinks six American ships off the coast.

Battleship New Jersey
1939-1945

During World War II, New Jersey built battleships, aircraft engines and more for the war effort. Visit Battleship New Jersey (America’s most decorated  battleship) on the Camden Waterfront to see how sailors really lived!

1978

Gambling was legalized in Atlantic City.

Christine Todd Whitman
1994

Christine Todd Whitman became the first woman governor in New Jersey.

Ellis Island
1998

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that 24 acres of Ellis Island is actually in New Jersey. 

STEM
2001

New Jersey is home to more scientists and engineers per square mile than anywhere else. A great place  for STEM students!

A star in the act of exploding
2008

Princeton astronomer Alicia Soderberg became the first person to view a supernova, a star in the act of exploding.

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#NJHistoryWows

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