Fun with Maps ISSUE 2025-045

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (March 12, 2025) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps, we celebrate one of the original stars (and stripes) on the American flag.

THE GARDEN STATE

The Province of New Jersey came under English control on March 12, 1664.  It has previously been part of New Netherland, claimed by Henry Hudson on behalf of the Dutch. The English renamed it after the Isle of Jersey.

In 1776, New Jersey became one of the original 13 states.  Today it is the country’s most densely populated state.

Some fun facts about New Jersey:

• The world’s first complete dinosaur skeleton was found there in 1858.
• The world’s first boardwalk was built in Atlantic City in 1870.  Its purpose was to minimize the amount of sand tracked into local businesses and railway cars.
• The state is known as the “Crossroads of the Revolution” with more than 100 battles being fought within its border. 
• Also, of the 9 universities founded before the American Revolution, 2 are in New Jersey – Princeton and Rutgers.

Presented here is a map of New Jersey by Johnson from 1863.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.