The 19th century marked a transformative era for New Jersey, both socially and economically. On February 15, 1804, the state became the last northern state to abolish new slavery, initiating a gradual decline in the enslaved population. By the end of the Civil War, only a small number of African Americans remained in bondage. Subsequent constitutional amendments granted full rights to New Jersey’s Black population.

Industrialization accelerated with the completion of the Morris Canal in 1831, which transported anthracite coal from Pennsylvania to fuel growing industries in Paterson, Newark, and Jersey City. This development helped shift the state’s economy from agriculture, which had been vulnerable to crop failures, to manufacturing, particularly textiles, silk, and later chemical production.

The 1844 state constitution strengthened the governorship but created offices not directly accountable to the public. Counties were aligned as legislative districts, a provision retained until 1962 when the Supreme Court decision in Baker v. Carr reshaped legislative representation.

During the Civil War, New Jersey provided between 65,000 and 80,000 soldiers to the Union army, despite hosting no battles on its soil. Political divisions led the state to support Democratic candidates Stephen A. Douglas in 1860 and George B. McClellan in 1864. McClellan, a New Jersey resident, later served as governor from 1878 to 1881.

The Industrial Revolution left a lasting imprint on New Jersey’s cities. Paterson became a major industrial center, and Thomas Edison’s work at Menlo Park and West Orange pioneered modern research and invention. Christie Street in Menlo Park became the first street in the world to feature electric lighting. Mining also flourished: iron and zinc deposits in the Pine Barrens and northern counties supported towns and industry, while the Morris Canal facilitated the transport of raw materials and goods.

By the close of the 19th century, New Jersey had emerged as a hub of innovation, industry, and commerce, setting the stage for its rapid growth and development in the 20th century.