1. On July 27, 1789, the state of New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights, which ensures fundamental rights and protections for U.S. citizens. This historic document includes the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of speech, religion, and press, among other important provisions.

2. In 1866, The Great Camden and Amboy Railroad Excitement occurred on July 27, as a massive mob gathered in the city of Camden to protest railroad companies' extensive political influence and perceived monopolistic practices. The unrest culminated in a riot that left several dead and many more injured, underscoring the lasting tension and volatility of the era's labor and political movements.

3. Five years later, on July 27, 1871, one of the most severe heatwaves in U.S. history swept through the eastern seaboard, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in Newark and other New Jersey cities. The extreme heat and accompanying drought had far-reaching health, agriculture, and economic consequences, including lower crop yields and increased illness and death rates.

4. On July 27, 1940, the famous amusement park and boardwalk destination of Atlantic City, New Jersey was severely damaged in a major fire that destroyed several blocks of the city's famous boardwalk and many businesses. Despite the widespread devastation and economic losses, many of the affected structures were quickly rebuilt, ultimately helping to bolster Atlantic City's reputation as a premier tourist destination.

5. In more recent history, on July 27, 2010, the city of Newark announced its selection as one of 20 finalists for the prestigious IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, a $50 million grant program that sought to empower urban areas to better use technology and data to drive innovation and economic growth. The recognition showcased Newark's ongoing commitments to address socioeconomic disparities, promote civic engagement, and support sustainable development.