1. New Jersey was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. On that day, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which formally announced the separation of the colonies from British rule.

2. In 1778, the Battle of Monmouth was fought in Freehold Township, New Jersey. It was one of the largest battles of the American Revolution and ended in a draw. General George Washington personally led his troops into battle, and many Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in Monmouth County.

3. The first official July 4 celebration in the United States was held in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1801. The state legislature declared it a public holiday, and people gathered in what is now known as the Old Barracks Museum.

4. In 1861, during the Civil War, the first military engagement of the conflict took place in New Jersey. Union troops successfully defended Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina from a Confederate attack. The fort was named after General Thomas Sumter who was from New Jersey.

5. In 2012, a record was set in New Jersey for the largest fireworks display ever held in the United States. The display was held in Atlantic City and featured more than 10,000 fireworks. The event attracted thousands of people and was broadcast on national television.