TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION
In the early days of the state communication between the settlements was by Indian trails, which, as travel increased, expanded into roads. Settlements on the coast were also connected by sailing vessels. The roads gradually increased in number and length as the interior of the state was developed. Little effort was made, however, toward keeping the public roads in good condition. The difficulties of travel and transportation led to the construction of many "turnpikes," or roads built by private companies, which charged tolls for their use. With very few exceptions these have been made public roads.
In the early part of the nineteenth century the foundations of transportation by steamboat, canals, and railroads were laid. The Morris Canal, from Phillipsburg to Jersey City, was projected and constructed to bring anthracite coal from Pennsylvania to the iron forges of northern New Jerseyand to New York Bay, and to connect the towns along its route with the city of New York. The Delaware and Raritan Canal, from Bordentown to New Brunswick, the Camden and Amboy Railroad, and the New Jersey Railroad were constructed in order to increase transportation facilities between Philadelphia and New York harbor. Now all parts of the state are connected with each other and with those great centers by many railroad lines. The importance of our railroads has been much increased by the development of the West and by the geographical location of the state in the path of direct communication between the western states and the city of New York. All the trunk lines from the Middle West, with one exception, pass through New Jersey, and have terminals in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken. The state has 2464 miles of railroad, a greater mileage compared with its area than any other state. Besides, there are 1294 miles of electric railway which traverse all parts of the state and connect all important points.
Oil refinery and tanks, Elizabethport
Oil refinery and tanks, Elizabethport
Because of the superior advantages of railroads, the canals are now obsolete, the Morris Canal being practically abandoned. The traffic between New York and Philadelphia is growing so rapidly that it is probable that the Delaware and Raritan Canal may be widened and deepened and thus may become a barge or ship canal.
Communication with Pennsylvania over the Delaware is by means of many ferries and bridges. There is no bridge between New Jersey and New York over the Hudson, but the construction of one has been proposed. Until 1908 the only means of communication was by ferries. The Pennsylvania Railroad now enters New York by tunnels extending from the Hackensack meadows to its terminal in the city, and Jersey City and Hoboken are also connected with New York by tunnels. In cooperation with the State of New York, New Jersey has provided for the construction of a tunnel for vehicles between Jersey City and New York, and, in cooperation with Pennsylvania, of a bridge over the Delaware between Camden and Philadelphia.
The state is noted for its excellent roads. The state and municipalities are spending vast sums of money on their construction and maintenance. Funds for state roads, which are in charge of a State Highway Commission, are obtained from the issuance of automobile licenses and from a special road tax.