Statehood The 3rd state Dec. 18, 1787 Captial Trenton State Motto Liberty and prosperit Origin of State Name The name is derived from the island of Jersey in the English Channel. State Nickname The Garden State Cultivation of fruits and vegetables has been an important part of the state's economy since colonial days. Interesting Facts About one-sixth of all drugs manufactured in the United States come from New Jersey. No other state has as dense a system of highways and railroads as New Jersey. New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state.