1. The Great Fire of 1839 - On May 13, 1839, a devastating fire broke out in New York City that burned for hours, destroying over 650 buildings and causing millions of dollars in damage. Despite the size and intensity of the fire, only two people lost their lives.

2. The Harlem Riot of 1964 - On May 13, 1964, racial tensions boiled over in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, resulting in a night of violence and destruction. The riots were sparked by the fatal shooting of a black teenager by a white police officer and lasted for several days, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests.

3. The opening of Central Park - May 13, 1858, was the day that Central Park officially opened to the public. The massive park, which covers over 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan, was designed to provide a green oasis in the midst of the city's bustling streets and has become one of New York's most beloved landmarks.

4. The inauguration of LaGuardia Airport - On May 13, 1939, LaGuardia Airport officially opened its doors to the public, becoming the first major airport within the borders of New York City. The airport was named after Fiorello LaGuardia, the city's then-mayor who played a key role in its creation.

5. The NBA Draft Lottery - Since 1985, the NBA has held its draft lottery on May 13th, giving fans of struggling teams hope that they might land the first overall pick and a potential superstar player. The lottery has been the source of much controversy over the years, with some fans alleging that it is rigged in favor of certain teams.