1. On January 22, 1789, William Paterson was elected as one of New Jersey's first two senators to the United States Senate. He had previously served as Governor of New Jersey and played a key role in drafting the United States Constitution.

2. The famous Jersey Shore landmark, the Asbury Park Casino, was destroyed by a fire on January 22, 1969. The building had been an entertainment venue and was featured in many films, including "The Sopranos."

3. On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court made their landmark decision in the case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. The plaintiff in the case, Jane Roe (a pseudonym), was from Texas, but the decision had far-reaching implications throughout the country, including New Jersey.

4. In 2014, a major snowstorm hit New Jersey on January 22, dumping up to 12 inches of snow in some areas. The storm caused widespread travel disruptions and school closures, but was not as severe as initially predicted.

5. On January 22, 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that increased the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. The increase was phased in over several years, with the full amount taking effect in 2024. The move made New Jersey one of several states to raise its minimum wage in recent years.