Today In History
5 Fun Facts About May 11 In New York History
1. In 1812, the first steam powered ferry began operating between New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. The ferry, named the "Jersey" after the state it serviced, was designed by inventor and engineer Robert Fulton and could transport both passengers and cargo across the river. 2. On May 11,...
5 Fun Facts About May 10 In New York History
1. In 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened in New York City, making May 10 the first day of the historic assembly. 2. On May 10, 1869, the final spike was driven into the transcontinental railroad at Promontory, Utah, linking New York City with the West Coast and marking a...
5 Fun Facts About May 9 In New York History
1. May 9, 1754: The First Newspaper Cartoon in America was published in the New York Gazette On May 9, 1754, the New York Gazette became the first American newspaper to run a cartoon. The cartoon, drawn by Benjamin Franklin, was titled "Join or Die" and depicted a severed snake...
5 Fun Facts About May 8 In New York History
1. On May 8, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange was formed when 24 brokers and merchants signed the Buttonwood Agreement under a Buttonwood tree (hence the name). This was the start of what would become the world's largest stock exchange. 2. May 8, 1828, saw the cornerstone laid for...
5 Fun Facts About May 7 In New York History
1. The first subway in New York City opened on May 7, 1904. The subway consisted of a 9.1-mile route that ran from City Hall in Lower Manhattan to 145th Street in Harlem. The subway allowed New Yorkers to travel quickly and efficiently between boroughs and sparked the growth of...
5 Fun Facts About May 6 In New York History
1. In 1937, the Hindenburg Disaster occurred in New Jersey, but the news was broken to the world from the NBC studios in New York on May 6th. The German airship, Hindenburg, caught fire as it tried to land in Lakehurst. This tragedy claimed the lives of 36 people, and...
5 Fun Facts About May 5 In New York History
1. On May 5, 1783, the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in Newburgh, New York. The organization was formed by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts to promote fraternal bonds and preserve the memory of the Revolutionary War. 2. The first organized baseball game in New...
5 Fun Facts About May 4 In New York History
1) On May 4, 1626, Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on the island of Manhattan and famously purchased it from the Lenape Native Americans for 60 guilders (about $24). 2) On May 4, 1927, the first long-distance television broadcast was transmitted from London, England to New York City. 3) On...
5 Fun Facts About May 3 In New York History
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...
5 Fun Facts About May 2 In New York History
1. In 1936, the famous "Silver Slipper" nightclub opened its doors in New York City. The club always had a dreamy, fairy-tale-like atmosphere and was popular among the well-to-do of the city. It was located on the corner of West 52nd Street and Seventh Avenue, and featured live music, dancing,...
5 Fun Facts About May 1 In New York History
1. In 1886, May 1 became an important date in New York labor history when tens of thousands of workers went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday. This strike, known as the Haymarket Riot, resulted in the deaths of several workers and the imprisonment of many others. 2. May...
5 Fun Facts About April 30 In New York History
1. In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30 in New York City. The inauguration took place at Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan, which served as the nation's first capital. 2. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was signed on April 30...