1. The Declaration of Independence was read aloud in New York City on July 9, 1776. Although the actual signing of the document had taken place in Philadelphia on July 4, it took several days for the news to reach New York. Once it did, a large crowd gathered in front of City Hall to hear the Declaration read aloud.

2. The first recorded celebration of Independence Day in New York City took place on July 4, 1785, when the newly-formed Society of the Cincinnati held a banquet in honor of the occasion. The Society, which was made up of Revolutionary War veterans, continued to hold annual celebrations on July 4 for many years.

3. One of the most famous Independence Day celebrations in New York City occurred in 1898, when the city hosted a massive parade to celebrate its recent victory in the Spanish-American War. The parade, which featured thousands of participants and drew a crowd of over a million people, was one of the largest in the city's history.

4. Another notable July 4 celebration in New York City occurred in 1986, when the Statue of Liberty was reopened to the public after an extensive renovation. The reopening ceremony, which took place on July 3, was attended by President Ronald Reagan and a host of other dignitaries.

5. In recent years, the July 4 celebration in New York City has become synonymous with the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. The fireworks display, which began in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebrations, has become one of the largest and most spectacular in the country. The event draws millions of viewers to both the Hudson and East Rivers, as well as countless more who watch from nearby rooftops and parks.