1. In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was opened to the public, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and remains an iconic landmark of New York City.

2. On May 31, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire occurred, resulting in the deaths of 146 garment workers, mostly young women. The tragedy sparked reforms in workplace safety and labor laws.

3. In 1949, the first installment of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" was published in New York City. The book's themes of government surveillance and propaganda still resonate today.

4. The famous Stand Up NY comedy club opened its doors on May 31, 1986, in the Upper West Side. It has since become a popular spot for both up-and-coming and established comedians.

5. New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing was born on May 31, 1962. He led the team to the NBA Finals twice and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.