1. In 1861, the first major battle of the American Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run, took place in Virginia. New York was heavily involved in the war effort and sent thousands of soldiers to fight on both sides of the conflict.

2. In 1925, the "Monkey Trial" began in Dayton, Tennessee. New York lawyer Clarence Darrow represented science teacher John T. Scopes, who was charged with teaching evolution in violation of the state's new law. The trial gained national attention and became a symbol of the struggle between evolution and creationism.

3. In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. The mission was closely followed by millions of people around the world, and New York played a significant role in the space program as the location of NASA's mission control center.

4. In 1977, a blackout hit New York City, leaving nearly the entire city without power for more than 24 hours. The event led to widespread looting and vandalism, but also saw New Yorkers come together to help one another and keep the peace.

5. In 2011, New York became the sixth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. The law was a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and was celebrated by thousands of people in the city's streets. The decision helped pave the way for similar legislation in other states and countries.