Timeline: New Jersey

Mar 12, 1664

New Jersey Founded

Started as a British colony and got it's name from the British Island Jersey. Created by Sir -George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley.

Mar 18, 1673

Half of New Jersey sold to Quakers

The land was sold by Lord John Berkeley

Aug 29, 1758

First Indian Reservation

The reservation was created in Shamong Township, New Jersey. This was the colonies' first try making an Indian reservation.

Oct 10, 1766

Queen's College Founded

Charter signed by William Franklin, who was the last colonial governor. It was later renamed Rutgers University.

Sep 26, 1772

Medical License Bill Passes

Bill signed to help regulate the healthcare industry. The bill was pushed forward by The Medical Society of New Jersey, which was made of physicians. It gave New Jersey's Supreme Court the ability to license physicians.

Oct 28, 1776

Battle of The White Plains

George Washington retreated to Newark, New Jersey during this battle. It was placed in a very strategic spot near Pennsylvania and near the English.

Jun 23, 1780

Battle of Springfield

Fought in Springfield, Short Hills Township, and Millburn Townships of New Jersey

Jan 1, 1781

6th Pennsylvania Regiment Rebel

Under General Anthony Wayne's command 1500 soldiers rebel against the Continental Army's winter camp in Morristown, New Jersey.

Dec 18, 1787

Constitution Ratification

New Jersey is the third state to ratify the constitution. They ratified the parchment for signature.

Nov 20, 1789

First to Ratify!

New Jersey was the first state to ratify The Bill of Rights. The ratification said that representation in government should be based by population.

Feb 15, 1804

Slavery Abolished

It was the last northern colony to do so.

Feb 6, 1815

First U.S. Railroad Charter Issued

It was the first railroad charter issued in the United States. It helped John Stevens become the United States first ever locomotive.

Nov 8, 1833

Train Derailment

The derailment happened in Hightstown, New Jersey and 2 people died because of it.

Jan 11, 1838

First Telegraph Message

Sent in Speedwell, New Jersey by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail.

Jun 19, 1846

First Baseball Game

New York Nines 23 defeat Knickerbockers 1 at Hoboken, New Jersey. The game was played using Cartwright rules.

Jan 18, 1871

First Black Masons

United States allowed the first black masonic lodge on this date in New Jersey.

Jan 19, 1883

First Electric Light Bulb

First ever electric overhead wire lighting system was built by Thomas Edison. It was located in Roselle, New Jersey.

Feb 14, 1883

First Labor Union

New Jersey legislation legalizes state union labor for the first time.

Feb 5, 1893

First Movie Theatre

Thomas Edison makes the first movie theatre in West Orange, New Jersey.

1894

No Coach for Rutgers

They went 4-6 with no coach and only a team captain.

Jan 5, 1904

Record Cold

The coldest temperature ever recorded in New Jersey was -34 degrees Fahrenheit found in River Vale.

Jun 9, 1909

First woman to drive across the U.S.

Alice Huyler Ramsey, 22-year-old housewife from Hackensack, New Jersey, becomes the 1st woman to drive across the US drives 3,800 miles from Manhattan to San Francisco in 59 days.