On October 17, numerous events have taken place in the history of New York, from the revolutionary war to important cultural events. Here are five interesting facts about October 17 in New York history:

1. In 1777, the Battle of Saratoga, one of the most key battles of the American Revolution, came to a close. The American victory in this battle was a turning point in the Revolution and led to France’s alliance with the Continental Army.

2. In 1904, the first subway line in New York City opened to the public. The Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) subway line started running from City Hall uptown to 145th street and Broadway. Over 150,000 people took the first subway ride on the day it opened.

3. In 1945, the United Nations was founded in San Francisco, California. The UN was created in the aftermath of World War II and was intended to maintain international peace and security.

4. In 1979, the New York Islanders won their first game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island. The Islanders would go on to win four consecutive Stanley Cup championships, establishing a dynasty in professional hockey.

5. In 1992, the National Museum of the American Indian opened its doors in Lower Manhattan. The museum, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, features exhibitions and collections celebrating the history and cultural heritage of Native Americans.