New Jersey has always been a state of innovation and ingenuity. Often overlooked due to its proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, the Garden State has its own unique contributions to American history and culture. While known for its scenic shorelines, diverse communities, and rich history, New Jersey is also home to a remarkable number of “firsts” in various fields.
Here are some of these pioneering achievements that you may not have known originated in New Jersey.
Pioneering in Sports
The First Organized Baseball Game
Baseball is as American as apple pie, and the first organized game was played in Hoboken in 1846. The New York Baseball Club emerged victorious over the Knickerbockers with a score of 23-1. But that’s not all—New Jersey is also home to the first radio broadcast of the World Series, transmitted live on Newark’s WIZ radio station in 1921.
The First Intercollegiate College Football Games
New Jersey can also claim the first intercollegiate college football game, played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton. The first game was hosted at Rutgers’ campus and resulted in a Rutgers win, while the second game saw Princeton taking the victory on their home turf.
Tourism and Leisure
The World’s First Boardwalk
Constructed in 1870, Atlantic City’s boardwalk was the first of its kind in the world. Today, it continues to be a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a plethora of shops and eateries.
First Drive-In Movie Theater
The first drive-in movie theater in the United States was built in Camden County in 1933. Richard Hollingshead, an entrepreneur and film enthusiast, was the visionary behind this iconic American pastime.
First Seaside Resorts
If you’re seeking a vintage coastal escape, look no further than Cape May and Long Branch. These were among the first seaside resorts in America, having opened in the early 1800s.
First Ferry Service in the U.S.
Operational since 1811, the ferry service between Hoboken and Manhattan was the first in the United States, and it continues to serve commuters and tourists today.
Technological and Scientific Milestones
First Airplane Passenger Flight
On May 3, 1919, the first airplane passenger flight took off from New York and landed in Atlantic City. Now, New Jersey hosts millions of air travelers each year through its 475 licensed aviation facilities, including two international airports.
Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Inventions
Thomas Edison’s workshop in Menlo Park was the birthplace of many revolutionary inventions. Among them are the phonograph in 1877, the motion picture in 1889, and the incandescent lamp (light bulb) in 1879. Roselle became the first town lighted by electricity using Edison’s bulbs in 1883.
First Submarine
The first submarine was crafted in 1878 by John Holland in Passaic County. This historical vessel is now displayed in a museum in Paterson.
Cultural Contributions
First Brewery
The first brewery in America was established in Hoboken as early as 1642. Today, the state’s craft beer scene is flourishing with over 100 breweries.
Birth of the Saltwater Taffy
Originating from the Jersey Shore in the 1870s, saltwater taffy is an iconic American candy and a must-try for any visitor.
The First Solid Body Electric Guitar
In 1940, Les Paul of Mahwah invented the first solid body electric guitar, an instrument that would later become iconic in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
New Jersey’s groundbreaking “firsts” span various domains, from technology to tourism. So the next time you think of New Jersey, remember that it’s not just a transit hub or a coastal retreat; it’s a state of pioneers, offering an array of historical, technological, and cultural firsts that have shaped the nation.