Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
Silicon Valley is known as the nation's tech hub, but decades ago New Jersey had that distinction. The state was once home to Thomas Edison's lab and Bell Labs, the home of Nobel laureates.
People from New Jersey are used to defending their state.
But, in fact, New Jersey has a history to brag about. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, the phonograph and the movie camera there. Many decades later, Bell Labs invented the transistor in the state.
Geography favored New Jersey. On one end, it borders New York City, and on the other end is Philadelphia. That means easy access to Wall Street financing, transportation and industry headquarters.
It all started in the 18th century,.
