The History Behind New Jersey’s ‘Garden State’ Moniker
The History Behind New Jersey’s ‘Garden State’ Moniker
Since 1954, New Jersey proudly displayed the “Garden State” nickname — highlighting its agricultural heritage. The name first gained traction in the 19th century, and it reflects the state’s deep-rooted connection to farming and its importance to the state’s economy.
The state boasts nearly 10,000 farms spread across 750,000 acres. This comes as no surprise because agriculture is New Jersey’s third-largest industry, generating around $1.5 billion every year.
Having exceptional diversity in its produce, New Jersey farms grow over 100 varieties of fruits and veggies, underscoring why its nickname remains as relevant as ever.
Known for its diversity in produce, New Jersey farms grow over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables, underscoring why the “Garden State” title remains as relevant as ever.
But, there was a time when Jersey almost ended up with egg on its face, some might have called it the butt of the yolk… more on that later
The Origins of the ‘Garden State’ Nickname
The “Garden State,” nickname has roots dating back to the mid-19th century. It is often associated with Abraham Browning, who used it in 1876. but it actually can be traced back as far as 1857.
It was suggested in the West Jersey Pioneer that the “Garden State” name, was likely inspired by the area’s lush farmland (as mentioned in the introduction).
And by 1861, South Jersey real estate ads referenced Jersey as “The Garden State of the East”, hinting at a growing local identity. Other states at the time, including Illinois, had also been called the “Garden State”, hence the specification of “The East”. But, by 1865, the moniker was widely associated with New Jersey.
in 1876, Abraham Browning further solidified the nickname’s legacy during a speech at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He described New Jersey as “an immense barrel, filled with good things to eat and open at both ends, with Pennsylvanians grabbing from one end and New Yorkers from the other”.
*Funny enough, Benjamin Franklin is also credited with a similar analogy of New Jersey being a barrel tapped at both ends.*
The imagery of the state resonated with the people, reinforcing its reputation for having bountiful produce.
The Official Adoption of the ‘Garden State’ Nickname
In the 1950s, New Jersey moved to officially adopt the “Garden State” name — but it was FAR from a smooth process.
The initial effort faced pushback when governors Alfred Driscoll (1947-1954), and Robert Meyner (1954-1962) vetoed bills proposing the nickname’s appearance on license plates.
The governors cited practical issues like the cost of redesigning the plates, plate size constraints, and even questions of relevance to the name. They should have the section above if they want to know about relevance…
Alternate suggestions like “The Egg State” and “Home of The Egg” were floated. Lobbyists even wanted the figure of an egg on every license plate — though the ideas did not gain much traction.
In 1950, the state had about 1.7 million acres of farmland, according to U.S. census records, and less than one-fifth of the population lived in rural areas. The biggest moneymaker in state agriculture at the time… the egg. Because of these statistics, The New Jersey Poultry Council at the time said the state symbol and name should be that of the egg — though many preferred the verdant “Garden State”.
Finally, in 1954, the state legislature stepped in and overrode Governor Meyner’s veto, paving the way for official Garden State license plates.
By 1959, the nickname made its anticipated debut on New Jersey plates, shifting from the previous orange and black color scheme to black on a yellow background featuring the name “The Garden State”
This was a major win for proponents of the name, though some remained skeptical of the relevancy to the state.
Though the debates added a humorous undertone to what SHOULD have been a simple decision, residents finally saw the “Garden State” name rolling through the streets — a nod to their agricultural roots that thankfully prevailed over eggs.
Cultural Impact of the ‘Garden State’ Nickname
Ultimately, New Jersey’s “Garden State” nickname embodies its agricultural heritage and influences the states’ identity, tourism, and its culture.
Yes, the name highlights its farmland — which exntend beyond just produce, it even represents a thriving wine industry which is one of the states’ fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
New Jersey have over 50 wineries, and 80 different grape varieties. The state’s wine contributes $4.69 billion in economic impact and attracts roughly $92 million in tourism every year.
So you can say New Jersey has a lot on it’s plate!
In 2004, the movie Garden State, a romantic comedy directed by and starring Zach Braff, and Natalie Portman further cemented the nickname in popular culture.
The plot of a bit actor returning to his home in New Jersey resonated with audiences, and reinforced New Jersey;s image as both rich in natural beauty and cultural depth.
Conclusion
New Jersey continues to rank among the country’s top producers of crops like cranberries, blueberries, and of course (Jersey( tomatoes. The state’s farmers embraced innovation and agritourism, ensuring abundant produce remains the major economic driver and the state’s cultural identity.
As the state continues to grow and evolve, it’s agricultural roots will continue to flourish, and embody the resilience and adaptability often associated with the people of New Jersey.
The legacy of “The Garden State” remains both a nod to the past and a promise for future generations.
