1. In 1783, George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army at Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan. This emotional speech marked the end of the Revolutionary War and Washington's commitment to guiding the young nation toward unity and freedom.

2. On May 3, 1802, the New York stock exchange officially opened for business under the Buttonwood Agreement. This document, signed by 24 brokers on Wall Street, established basic rules for trading securities and laid the foundation for the modern stock market.

3. In 1901, the New York State Legislature passed the Tenement House Act, which mandated new building codes and health standards for dense urban housing. The law was a response to the squalor and overcrowding in immigrant neighborhoods, and led to significant improvements in public health and safety.

4. On May 3, 1926, the iconic New York City skyline was forever changed with the completion of the Chrysler Building. At 1,046 feet tall, it became the world's tallest building at the time, and its Art Deco style and stainless steel crown remain a beloved symbol of the city.

5. The first World's Fair held in the United States opened in Flushing Meadows, Queens on May 3, 1939. The event, officially called the "New York World's Fair: Building the World of Tomorrow," showcased technological innovations and cultural diversity, and attracted over 44 million visitors during its two-year run.