1. The New York Stock Exchange was founded on February 4, 1817. The exchange began with 24 brokers and has since become the world's largest stock exchange in terms of market capitalization.

2. In 1783, formal peace negotiations between the United States and Great Britain began in Paris to end the American Revolutionary War. This was significant for New York, which had served as a major battleground during the conflict.

3. On February 4, 1945, Yalta Conference began, bringing together the leaders of the Allied powers (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin) to discuss the post-war reconstruction of Europe. This event had a significant impact on New York, which hosted the United Nations founding conference the following year.

4. The famous gangster, Al Capone, was born on February 4, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. While Capone is not known for his positive impact on society, his story is a fascinating one, and his connection to New York adds an interesting layer to his criminal history.

5. In 1899, the Bronx Zoo opened its doors to the public on February 4th, making it one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country. Today, the Bronx Zoo is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it plays an important role in wildlife conservation efforts.