The Jersey Shore is famous for it's salt water taffy, but did you know that it was invented in New Jersey? It was in the late 19th century when salt water taffy began it's roots right here in the Garden State. So to celebrate National Taffy Day, let's give a little love to that famous staple of the Jersey Shore.... Salt water taffy. Dennis Malloy photo AP Atlantic City has such a rich history, and salt water taffy is no exception. It was here in 1883 that this iconic Jersey favorite came to be. Although it's roots stem from Atlantic City, salt water taffy can now be found in many places around the country (Check out more on the history of salt water taffy by clicking here).