1. In 1693, the first paper money in the Americas was issued in New York. The currencies were in the denominations of $2, $3, $5, $10, $20, and $50.

2. The iconic New York City newspaper, The New York Times, was founded on February 8, 1851. Initially, the publication was sold for one penny.

3. On February 8, 1915, the first bridge spanning the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie Bridge, was officially opened. The bridge was later renamed the Walkway Over the Hudson and is now a popular state park.

4. In 1968, the first 911 emergency phone system was launched. The service allowed people to report emergencies using just three digits, making it easier for police, firefighters, and medics to respond to emergencies quickly.

5. On February 8, 1994, a single ticket won the New York Lottery's highest jackpot at the time worth $64 million. The ticket was purchased from a convenience store in Brooklyn.