1. On September 22, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, a battle was fought between the British and American forces in Boonton, NJ. The British were ultimately victorious, but the skirmish helped pave the way to the eventual American victory in the War.

2. In 1862, on September 22, the Emancipation Proclamation was released, which declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free. Although it did not immediately free all slaves, it was a monumental step towards the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

3. On September 22, 1875, a notorious gangster named John "Johnny" Torrio was born in New York City. Torrio is perhaps best known for mentoring Al Capone, who would go on to become one of the most notorious gangsters in American history.

4. The first United States patent for a gasoline-powered automobile was issued to George B. Selden on September 22, 1899. This patent paved the way for the modern automobile industry, which has since become a major part of New Jersey's economy.

5. In 2001, on September 22, the United States experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were attacked by terrorists. The attack had a profound impact on the nation, and many New Jersey residents lost their lives in the tragedy.