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, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to enter the Union. Although not directly related to New York, this event was significant because many New Yorkers had moved to Minnesota to seek new opportunities and start a new life.

3. The Empire State Building, which would become one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, officially opened on May 11, 1931. The building was the tallest in the world at the time and was designed by architects William F. Lamb and Shreve, Lamb and Harmon.

4. On May 11, 1963, William Randolph Hearst Jr. donated his family's collection of art and artifacts to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The collection included over 600 objects spanning a variety of cultures and time periods, and significantly expanded the museum's holdings.

5. In 1987, the New York Yankees retired the jersey of baseball legend Mickey Mantle on May 11. Mantle, who played for the Yankees from 1951 to 1968, was one of the greatest baseball players of all time and had won seven World Series championships with the team.