1. In 1775, New Jersey's Provincial Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of "associators" to fight in the Revolutionary War. These battalions would later become part of the Continental Army.
2. In 1938, a powerful Nor'easter struck the New Jersey coast, causing widespread flooding and destruction. The storm, which became known as the "Long Island Express," resulted in 184 deaths in New Jersey alone.
3. In 1951, the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Jersey Turnpike was held in the city of East Brunswick. The 122-mile-long toll road would open for traffic four years later, becoming a major artery for transportation in the state.
4. In 1977, businessman Nelson Bunker Hunt was indicted on charges of attempting to manipulate the silver market. Hunt, who was based in New Jersey, had allegedly conspired with his brothers and other investors to drive up the price of silver to benefit their holdings.
5. In 2014, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for president in the 2016 election. Christie had gained national attention for his handling of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but his candidacy ultimately faltered in the primary season.