1. On December 8, 1776, General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This victory provided a much-needed boost to morale for the struggling Continental Army during the American Revolution.

2. In 1835, the first locomotive built in the United States for commercial use was completed in Paterson, New Jersey. The locomotive was named "John Bull" and is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

3. In 1863, the famous Civil War battle of Fredericksburg took place in Virginia. Many soldiers from New Jersey were involved in this battle, which is considered one of the bloodiest and most significant of the war.

4. On December 8, 1924, the original Holland Tunnel connecting New Jersey and Manhattan, New York opened to traffic. This engineering marvel was the first underwater tunnel designed for vehicles and made it easier for commuters and goods to travel between the two states.

5. In 1942, the United States launched its first major offensive in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the Battle of Guadalcanal. Thousands of soldiers from New Jersey fought in this critical battle, which marked the beginning of the Allies' strategy to defeat Japan.