Happy 234th Birthday, New Jersey!

The representatives of all 13 counties—yes, only 13 at the time—voted unanimously to ratify the United States Constitution, making New Jersey the third state. Not only did it pass unanimously, but it did so quickly: The newly formed State Legislature first met to discuss ratification on Dec 11. Seven days later, with minimal (if any) debate, it was a done deal.

However, because this is New Jersey we're talking about, there is some controversy about just when the Garden State's real birthday is.

New Jersey Day is celebrated by the state on June 24, in honor of the first time the name appeared in an official document. On that day, King Charles II's brother, James, Duke of York, issued a royal grant establishing the colony, according to the New Jersey State Department. That document is referred to as New Jersey's "birth certificate."

If you want to be some degree of pedantic, July 4, 1776 can also be considered as New Jersey's birthday, as it marked that date that it, along with the other 12 original English colonies, issued the Declaration of Independence.

More:Jersey blue plates could make a comeback, but it's a long road ahead. Here's why

But there's another date celebrated as National New Jersey Day: July 27. What's that about? That's the day recognized by the National Day Calendar. How did they settle on that date? According to the site, in 2017 they started designating one state at a time per week after July 4th, in the order that they ratified the Constitution. So after Delaware Day on July 13 and Pennsylvania on July 20, NJ slots in on July 27.

But at times like these, we can use all the celebrations we can get. So even if you celebrated any of New Jersey's other "birthdays," why not celebrate this one too? Open a local craft beer, set down your pork roll vs. Taylor Ham pitch fork, blast Born to Run and remind every other state that you're better than them. Because if there's anything more New Jersey than that, we're not sure what it is.

Home

Happy 234th birthday, New Jersey! Why is it today, December 18?