1. In 1776, during the American Revolution, a battle known as the Battle of Valcour Island took place in Lake Champlain near New York's border. The fight resulted in a British victory, but the American forces led by Benedict Arnold were able to delay the British advance long enough for the colder weather to set in, which ultimately led to the British abandoning their push into the colonies.

2. On October 9, 1820, the famous American author Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Although he did not spend much time in New York City, Poe's works, such as "The Raven" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," have had a lasting impact on American literature.

3. In 1855, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City was founded. The institution is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, with a vast collection of artifacts and specimens from around the globe.

4. On October 9, 1919, the New York Giants defeated the Chicago White Sox in Game 5 of the World Series. This win clinched the Giants' fourth World Series title, with two more to follow in 1921 and 1922.

5. In 1967, the Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City was renamed Avery Fisher Hall, after the philanthropist who had donated over $10 million to support the construction of the hall. The venue later underwent a name change again in 2015, becoming David Geffen Hall.