1. In 1920, the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution came into effect, prohibiting the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This era, known as Prohibition, had a significant impact on New York City's nightlife and organized crime.

2. On January 16, 1979, the germ of the New York City subway system began to take shape. It was on this day that the first electric subway train in the world made its debut in the city, connecting City Hall and Harlem. Since then, the subway system has grown to be the largest in the world.

3. In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio designated January 16 as "David Bowie Day" in honor of the legendary musician, who passed away two days earlier. Bowie lived in New York City for several years and recorded some of his most iconic albums, including "Young Americans" and "Heroes," in the city's studios.

4. In 1986, the federal government finally granted amnesty to more than one million undocumented immigrants in the United States, including many in New York City. The amnesty program was part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and helped many immigrants gain legal status and citizenship.

5. On January 16, 1970, the New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling quadruple-overtime game. The final score was 121-114, and the game lasted three hours and 56 minutes, making it one of the longest games in NBA history. The Knicks went on to win the NBA championship that year.