1. On October 17, 1777, the Battle of Fort Mercer took place in Gloucester County, New Jersey. American forces, led by Colonel Christopher Greene, successfully defended Fort Mercer against a British attack during the Revolutionary War.

2. In 1904, the New York Giants won the National League pennant at the expense of the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was played in New Jersey at the Polo Grounds in Jersey City.

3. On October 17, 1931, the George Washington Bridge opened to traffic. The bridge, which spans the Hudson River between Fort Lee, New Jersey and Manhattan, is one of the busiest bridges in the world.

4. In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson to a major league contract, breaking the color barrier in baseball. Robinson played his minor league ball in New Jersey, including with the Jersey City Giants.

5. On October 17, 1991, the Newark Museum opened its new planetarium, featuring a state-of-the-art star projector and a 54-foot dome screen. The planetarium is known for its immersive educational programs and stunning visual displays.