1. On June 20, 1783, the Continental Congress announced the cessation of hostilities with Great Britain, officially ending the American Revolution. This historic moment led to the Treaty of Paris, which formally recognized the independence of the United States.

2. In 1837, the Camden and Amboy Railroad, one of the first railroads in the United States, began regular passenger service between Camden and South Amboy, New Jersey. This railroad helped spur the growth of New Jersey's industrial economy.

3. On June 20, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began in Pennsylvania, just a few miles from the New Jersey border. Over 10,000 New Jersey soldiers fought in the three-day battle, which is considered a turning point in the Civil War.

4. In 1933, New Jersey became the first state to allow drivers to make a left turn on a red light, but only onto a one-way street. This innovation helped reduce traffic congestion and has since been adopted in other states.

5. On June 20, 1977, a New Jersey State Police helicopter carrying Governor Brendan Byrne and his wife crashed in the Pinelands. Despite the severity of the accident, the governor and his wife survived with minor injuries. The crash highlighted the dangers of helicopter travel and led to safety improvements in helicopter design and operation.