1. In 1781, the Battle of Connecticut Farms, also known as the Battle of Springfield, took place in present-day Union County. The Continental Army successfully defended against a British and Hessian force, resulting in over 200 casualties on both sides.

2. In 1843, the first steam-operated ferry service between Hoboken and New York City was established. The ferry service became a popular mode of transportation for commuters and tourists alike and paved the way for future ferry systems in the region.

3. In 1896, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Plessy v. Ferguson that racial segregation was legal under the “separate but equal” doctrine. The decision was a major setback for the civil rights movement and led to decades of discrimination and inequality in New Jersey and across the country.

4. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, at Newark Airport upon completing his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Lindbergh's successful journey captured the attention of the world and helped to popularize air travel.

5. In 1995, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in the case of Lewis v. Harris that same-sex couples were entitled to equal protection under the law and that the state constitution prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. The ruling paved the way for marriage equality in New Jersey and was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community.