Geography and history of New Jersey

Preface

The geography and history of any state are closely interwoven ; New Jersey is no exception. Its coast position between two great cities, the long sandy stretches in the east, and the foothills toward the west and north have all combined to make of the history of this state not only an interesting story which every New Jersey school child should know but also one in which he should take great pride.

It is the geographic conditions with which a people have to contend that determine to a great extent what that people shall accomplish. The authors of the present book have endeavored to show clearly and definitely the character of the land which we call New Jersey : how it has fostered farming, fishing, and manufacturing ; how it has steadily made for progress ; and how it has brought wealth to the inhabitants. New Jersey has been greatly favored and her people have accomplished much.

The history of New Jersey began almost with the history of our country, and from the time when the first settlers reached her coast and laid out their small farms and towns there have been no movements in our national history in which the men and women of New Jersey have not done their part. It is presupposed that the children who study this book will be acquiring from other texts a general knowledge of United States history, and so only those events and incidents which are peculiarly a part of the history of the state of New Jersey have been included in this narrative.

A brief outline of the civics of New Jersey is included which will furnish a framework of government in this state. From such a beginning the child may develop a wider and more thorough knowledge of local governmental problems.

Contents

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Introduction 3

Position 3