New Jersey became the 3rd state of the Union on December 18, 1787! It’s named after the British island of Jersey, but you can also call it The Garden State! Its capital is Trenton, and its largest city is Newark! New Jersey’s state motto is “Liberty and Prosperity!” This state is famous for its diners and turnpike, the lab of Thomas Edison, Paterson Great Falls, the Jersey Shore, and the Jersey Devil!