1. On May 4, 1896, the first horseless carriage race in the United States was held in Cranbury, New Jersey. The race was organized by the “Manufacturers’ Contest Association” and covered 52 miles.

2. The legendary comedian and actor Groucho Marx passed away on May 4, 1977 in Los Angeles. While Marx was not a native of New Jersey, he had a long association with the state, having performed at many of its famous resorts and theaters in Atlantic City and elsewhere.

3. One of New Jersey's most famous native sons, Thomas Edison, was born on May 4, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. Though Edison is often associated with his later history in New Jersey, his innovations and inventions revolutionized the world and remain a significant part of technology in the modern era.

4. On May 4, 1863, during the Civil War, Confederate forces under the command of Lieutenant General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson attacked the Union Army under General Joseph Hooker near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Several New Jersey regiments were involved in the battle and suffered significant casualties.

5. The Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph on May 4, a tradition with roots in Sicilian culture. The feast is known for its stunning array of food vendors, live music, and parades, and it attracts thousands of visitors to the community each year.