1. On December 13, 1887, the state of New Jersey constructed the world's first one-way street in Newark. Today, one-way streets are a common feature in many cities across the world, but back then it was a novel idea aimed at alleviating congestion and improving traffic flow.

2. On December 13, 1927, the Holland Tunnel opened to traffic, connecting Jersey City with New York City. The tunnel, which spans over 8,500 feet, was a major engineering feat at the time and helped spur economic growth in both New Jersey and New York.

3. On December 13, 1961, New Jersey native Frank Sinatra, also known as "The Chairman of the Board," premiered his album "Sinatra's Swingin' Session!!!" The album featured such standards as "When You're Smiling" and "It All Depends on You" and remains a classic in the genre of swing music.

4. On December 13, 1972, New Jersey became the first state to allow casino gambling in Atlantic City. The move was aimed at creating new jobs and boosting tourism in the area, and it proved successful, spawning a multi-billion dollar industry that has become a cornerstone of the state's economy.

5. On December 13, 2001, New Jersey lawmakers voted to make the tomato the official state vegetable, despite the fact that botanically tomatoes are classified as fruits. The move sparked controversy and debate, with critics arguing that the tomato should be considered a fruit, while proponents said that it was commonly used as a vegetable in cooking and therefore deserved the honor.