1. On March 30, 1854, the first train passed through the newly constructed Raritan River Railroad Bridge in New Jersey, connecting New Brunswick and Perth Amboy. The bridge, which still stands today, was an engineering marvel at the time of its construction.

2. In 1923, New Jersey became the first state in the United States to enact a gasoline tax. The tax was initially set at one cent per gallon and was used to fund road construction and maintenance.

3. On March 30, 1946, a fire broke out at the Hindenburg airship while it was attempting to dock at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The disaster, which killed 36 people, was one of the most infamous in aviation history.

4. In 1976, New Jersey became the first state to allow casino gambling in Atlantic City. The move was seen as a way to revitalize the once-thriving resort town and has had a significant impact on the state's economy.

5. On March 30, 2012, New Jersey native Whitney Houston died at the age of 48. Houston, who was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, was born in Newark and grew up in nearby East Orange. Her death was mourned by fans around the world.