1. In 1782, George Washington composed a letter to the New York State Legislature, thanking them for their support during the Revolutionary War. The letter is now housed at the New York State Library.

2. On August 7, 1865, the first U.S. automobile accident occurred on the streets of New York City. A steam-powered carriage collided with a tree root, causing the driver to lose control and crash.

3. In 1930, New York City held its first "talkie" premiere with the release of the film "The Life of the Party," starring Winnie Lightner and Charles Butterworth. The premiere was held at the Strand Theatre in Times Square.

4. On August 7, 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit walked across a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The feat, which was unauthorized and illegal, was later the subject of the documentary film "Man on Wire."

5. In 1998, the Bronx Zoo debuted its Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, which features an authentic African rainforest habitat for a group of western lowland gorillas. The exhibit has been a popular attraction ever since its opening.