New Jersey

Encircle New Jersey: After visiting New York City, begin your tour of The Garden State across the Hudson River in Jersey City. Then, during your road trek towards the beaches and boardwalks of Atlantic City, check out the Princeton University campus in Princeton and the state capitol in Trenton.

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Goldman Sachs Tower in Jersey City, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

1 Goldman Sachs Tower in Jersey City, New Jersey

This view of the Goldman Sachs Tower in Jersey City, New Jersey, was photographed from New York Bay. Also called 30 Hudson Street, the 42 floor building dominates the horizon at Exchange Place. When it was built in 2004 at the cost of $1.3 billion, the company planned to consolidate all of their 6,000 headquarter employees here. However, traders and management refused to leave their Wall Street location directly across the Hudson River. So, Goldman began leasing space in the skyscraper while offering ferry service between locations.

30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
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Alexander Hall at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

2 Alexander Hall at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey

Many school buildings constructed during the 19th and 20th centuries used Collegiate Gothic architecture. Much of the Princeton University campus reflects this style. Among them at this Ivy League school is a standout, visual gem. The Richardsonian Romanesque design of Alexander Hall is outstanding. In the center is a large rose window made of Tiffany glass. Carved into its red granite walls are bas-relief figures representing learning in 36 fields of education.

Alexander Hall, 68 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542
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Princeton University Chapel in Princeton, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

3 Princeton University Chapel in Princeton, New Jersey

The third largest university chapel in the world is at Princeton University. The church was finished in 1928 and replaced the Marquand Chapel after it was destroyed by fire in 1920. The campus had a long-standing religious tradition. For 136 years after the College of New Jersey was founded in 1746 as a ministry school, students were required to attend prayers twice a day. Students strongly disapproved of the ritual. So, according to legend, they protested with pranks like bringing a cow into the chapel’s pulpit before the 5:00 a.m. service.

William St & Co Rd 571, Princeton, NJ 08544
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New Jersey State House Capitol Building in Trenton, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

4 New Jersey State House Capitol Building in Trenton, New Jersey

The New Jersey State House is located on the crowded West State Street in Trenton. So it is hard to see the gold-leaf dome unless you cross the street and stand on the top level of the World War II memorial called “Victory.” The building’s front façade from 1911 is handsome. Yet other parts are oddly shaped because of ten additions and renovations since it opened in 1792. New Jersey became the 3rd state on December 18, 1787.

125 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
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New Jersey State House Capitol Rotunda in Trenton, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

5 New Jersey State House Capitol Rotunda in Trenton, New Jersey

Stained glass, eagles, gilded ribs and historic portraits surround the rich reds and blues of the rotunda at the New Jersey State House in Trenton. This is the second oldest capitol in continuous use. The view of the 145 foot dome is shaped by golden, ornamental grillwork in an octagon shape. It’s an excellent example of American Renaissance architecture.

125 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
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Trenton War Memorial Now Patriots Theater in Trenton, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

6 Trenton War Memorial Now Patriots Theater in Trenton, New Jersey

Near the New Jersey state capitol is the Trenton War Memorial. This 1932, Italian Renaissance style building is a tribute to fallen World War I soldiers. It gradually suffered disrepair until receiving a renovation in 1999. The 1,800 seat hall is now Patriots Theater. The performing arts venue also hosts the symphony orchestra.

1 Memorial Dr, Trenton, NJ 08608
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Believe It or Not Museum and Atlantic Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

7 Believe It or Not Museum and Atlantic Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey

The 1934 Monopoly game was patterned after the streets of Atlantic City. The South Jersey resort area has seen booms and declines since first developed along the ocean shores in 1853. Plans for new, mega hotels and casinos were scrapped during the Great Recession. An eye-catching “Odditorium,” sandwiched between Resorts and Bally’s Casinos on the Boardwalk, is the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. Inside this wrecking ball building are over 400 exhibits of the weird and curious.

1441 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
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Caesar Statue Inside Caesars Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey - Encircle Photos

8 Caesar Statue Inside Caesars Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Gaius Julius Caesar was the Roman Republic’s “dictator of perpetuity” until his assassination by Brutus on the Ides of March in 44 BC. Today, his name is associated with Caesars Entertainment’s signature properties in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The company has 60 other hotels, resorts and casinos under various brands. This statue in their New Jersey hotel lobby is Augustus. He became the first Roman Empire emperor a few years after his father’s death. In the corner is Cupid riding a dolphin. The statue replicates the Augustus of Prima Porta. That famous sculpture was carved from white marble in 20 AD and is now in the Vatican Museum in Rome.

2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
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