From pandemic reopening to the Bicentennial and the Roaring Twenties, this week’s look back highlights pivotal moments that helped shape New Jersey.
New Jersey — Every week offers a chance to reflect on the events that helped define the Garden State. From pandemic recovery and transportation funding debates to Revolutionary War milestones and the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties, these anniversaries offer a snapshot of New Jersey’s evolving history.
Five years ago, New Jersey reached a major milestone in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most statewide capacity limits on businesses were lifted, restaurants and entertainment venues welcomed larger crowds, and summer tourism returned to the Jersey Shore as vaccination efforts continued across the state.
Pandemic recovery reshaped the state
Health officials continued operating vaccination clinics while monitoring emerging coronavirus variants and encouraging residents to complete their vaccine series. The easing of restrictions marked a significant turning point for businesses, tourism and daily life after more than a year of pandemic-related limitations.
Ten years ago, negotiations over the future of the Transportation Trust Fund dominated discussions in Trenton. Lawmakers debated how to finance long-term road, bridge and infrastructure improvements before the start of the new fiscal year, with proposals to increase New Jersey’s gas tax drawing widespread political attention.
Summer tourism and Bicentennial celebrations
Twenty-five years ago, Atlantic City casinos prepared for one of the busiest Independence Day holiday weekends in years as millions of visitors headed to the Jersey Shore. State and local officials also continued beach replenishment projects designed to protect coastal communities from long-term erosion.
Fifty years ago, communities throughout New Jersey celebrated America’s Bicentennial with parades, fireworks and ceremonies. Historic sites including Morristown National Historical Park, Princeton Battlefield and Washington Crossing State Park hosted commemorative events recognizing the nation’s 200th anniversary.
Growth during the Roaring Twenties
One hundred years ago, New Jersey experienced rapid growth during the height of the Roaring Twenties. Atlantic City expanded as one of the nation’s premier vacation destinations, automobile travel transformed commerce and tourism, and suburban development accelerated as families moved from nearby metropolitan areas.
Several other milestones also fall during this week in New Jersey history. On July 1, 1968, the state sales tax took effect after lawmakers approved the measure to address budget challenges. In early July 1778, Continental and British forces maneuvered across central New Jersey following the Battle of Monmouth, while the summer of 1947 brought record post-World War II tourism to the Jersey Shore.
Construction of the Garden State Parkway accelerated during the summer of 1955, helping reshape transportation across the state for generations. During the summer of 1996, New Jersey Devils fans continued celebrating the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship, won the previous year.
Key Points
- New Jersey marked a major phase of its COVID-19 reopening five years ago as business restrictions were lifted.
- Transportation Trust Fund negotiations and gas tax proposals dominated state politics ten years ago.
- This week’s anniversaries also include the Bicentennial, Roaring Twenties growth, Revolutionary War history, the state sales tax and the expansion of the Garden State Parkway.
Related: New Jersey, Jersey Shore tourism, Transportation Trust Fund, Atlantic City, Garden State Parkway, Morristown National Historical Park, Battle of Monmouth