If you’re a reader of this column, you probably are a student of history. You know the 250th anniversary of American independence is approaching. If asked to name five people associated with the colonial cause, you could do it in the blink of an eye. It might take a little longer if the challenge was raised to 10, but most likely you could accomplish it.

Now, think of that list and decide how many on it were from New Jersey. The odds are your answer would be zero!