1. On July 3, 1776, New Jersey became the third colony to officially declare independence from Great Britain, following Massachusetts and Virginia.

2. The Battle of Springfield, one of the final battles of the Revolutionary War, took place on July 3, 1780, in Springfield, New Jersey. The battle is known for General George Washington's firsthand involvement in organizing reinforcements, which ultimately secured a victory for the Continental Army.

3. On July 3, 1881, the famous outlaw Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Interestingly, one of the only known photographs of Billy the Kid was taken in New Jersey in 1879.

4. The first Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest took place on Coney Island on July 3, 1916. While not technically in New Jersey, this event has become a popular spectator sport and is often associated with summertime traditions in the tri-state area.

5. On July 3, 1962, Atlantic City opened its first legal casino, the Resorts Casino Hotel. This event marked a major turning point in the city's history, as it became the first municipality outside of Nevada to permit casino gambling. Today, Atlantic City remains a popular destination for tourists and gamblers alike.