1. On February 9, 1776, the Continental Congress authorized the appointment of a Committee of Safety for New Jersey, which would have the power to act in emergencies and enforce regulations.

2. On February 9, 1820, the first charter of the University of the City of New York was granted by the New York State Legislature. Today, this school is known as New York University and has a campus in nearby Hoboken, NJ.

3. On February 9, 1910, the Hudson Maxim Company successfully tested the world's first practical machine gun at its factory in Riverdale, NJ. This innovation would forever change the nature of warfare.

4. On February 9, 1943, the legendary jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk made his recording debut at a small studio in Hackensack, NJ. The session only produced three songs, but it marked the beginning of Monk's illustrious career.

5. On February 9, 1964, The Beatles played their first live concert in the United States at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C. However, their plane actually landed in New York City on February 7th, and they spent some time in New Jersey before appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9th.