Because of its proximity to the 13 colonies, more battles were fought in New Jersey than in any other state during the Revolutionary War. New Jersey housed several iron mills in areas including West Milford, Wharton and Kinnelon that produced ammunition, armaments and other materials essential to the war effort.
.Many consider the Battle of Trenton to be a pivotal moment in the war that led the United States to victory. In November of 1776, the British gained control of New Jersey and forced General George Washington’s troops into Pennsylvania. Thinking no one would cross the Delaware River during winter, the British set up separate camps around Trenton and planned on waiting until Spring.
By December, Washington’s troops made the perilous journey across the river and launched a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers (German troops who served the British Army) that claimed 900 prisoners.
Immediately after winning the Battle of Trenton, Washington won the Battle of Princeton, the British fled New Jersey for New York and the Americans were on their way to winning the war.
In 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the first to sign the Bill of Rights. In 1790, Trenton officially became the state capital of New Jersey, and William Livingston became its first state governor. (Trenton was temporarily the country’s capital during the Revolutionary War in November and December of 1784 and was considered as a possible location to house the capital but was ultimately passed up in favor of Washington, D.C.)
New Jersey – Colonel History, Industrialization & Organized Crime – HISTORY