1. In 1782, the first recorded successful ascent of a hot air balloon in the United States took place in Burlington, NJ. Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a French pilot, lifted off from the city, flew for six miles and landed in Gloucester County.

2. In 1832, the Camden & Amboy Railroad opened the first rail line in New Jersey, between South Amboy and Bordentown. The line operated with horse-drawn trains until steam engines were introduced in the 1850s.

3. In 1933, the first drive-in movie theater in the world opened in Camden, NJ. The concept was the brainchild of Richard Hollingshead, who wanted to make movies more accessible to families with young children. The drive-in theater reached peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

4. In 1955, the flag of New Jersey was officially adopted. The flag features the state seal in the center, surrounded by a buff-colored background. The seal includes symbols of the state's agricultural, industrial, and maritime heritage.

5. In 1998, the Prudential Center, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Newark, NJ, opened its doors for the first time. The arena serves as home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils and hosts various concerts, sporting events, and other shows throughout the year.