New Jersey Geographic Names

Geographic names are arranged alphabetically.

New Jersey. The name evokes many images, most of which are narrow stereotypes that fall short of reality. For example, though New Jersey's salient cultural characteristic is its high population density–the highest in the United States and higher than that of Britain–there is a surprising amount of open space in the state. Areas of the pinelands remain virtually unexplored, vast bogs are nearly impenetrable, and lush forests on the Appalachian ridges and holly-decked beaches on the ocean invite the city-weary urbanite. This geographic study of New Jersey, a multidimensional portrait of the state, incorporates three major themes: (1) the state's cultural diversity, an amalgam dating from colonial days, of many varied ethnic, national, and racial groups; (2) its bipolar orientation to two neighboring giant metropolitan areas, New York and Philadelphia, again a factor that dates to the time of the Revolution; and (3) an economy heavily influenced by the state's accessibility to major metropolitan centers and its well-developed corridor functions. Dr. Stansfield depicts New Jersey as a state others should watch: How it controls suburban sprawl, environmental deterioration, and the internal competition among agricultural, suburban, industrial, and recreational uses of land and water resources offers a model for the rest of the United States. Newark's Mayor Gibson observed of his city, "I don't know where America's cities are going, but I think Newark will get there first." It also might be fairly concluded, writes Dr. Stansfield, that wherever the United States is heading, New Jersey could get there first.

"Place Names of the Jersey Shore - Why did they name it that?" describes the fascinating story of over 300 places located in one of the nation's most visited summer destinations. This edition covers Brigantine Island to Cape May Point, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor, Wildwood, Cape May and Delaware Bay communities. The cities, roads, waterways and other places of all areas of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, New Jersey are covered. Readers will learn that the real origin of many names is, often times, quite different from what seems to be the obvious explanation. For example, the Boardwalk is named for Alex Boardman, not the boards you walk on, Longport is named for its founder, not its shape and Stone Harbor honors the Stone family; there's not a stone on the bottom of the harbor there! Historical notes are lavishly distributed among the entries. Personal recollections from the author, a life-long resident of the shore, also accompany many entries. The book, which is thoroughly researched and documented, includes many photos which illustrate the unique nature and history of the shore area. Each entry contains GPS coordinates. "Place Names of the Jersey Shore - Why did they name it that?" makes a great read for visitors to the shore area and residents alike. Anyone who enjoys history, geography, folklore and the origin of names will enjoy this book.