1. In 1778, the Battle of Monmouth took place in Monmouth County, New Jersey during the American Revolutionary War. It is known as one of the largest battles of the war and was a significant moment for the Patriots.
2. In 1838, the first transatlantic steamship to arrive in America, the Great Western, landed in Jersey City, New Jersey. The ship had departed from Bristol, England and the journey took 15 days.
3. In 1894, the first automobile race in the United States took place in Morris County, New Jersey. The race was sponsored by the Chicago Times-Herald and had a grand prize of $2,000.
4. In 1914, the first air mail delivery occurred between New York City and Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was flown by pilot Earl Ovington and consisted of three letters and a postcard.
5. In 1973, the famous gay rights activist Marsha P. Johnson threw the first brick at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. Although this event did not take place in New Jersey, Johnson was born in Elizabeth, NJ and is a significant figure in LGBT history.