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1630...Harem Van De Bogaert arrives in New Amsterdam as the colony's first surgeon. Records show that – like many of his successors – he had to sue for payment of bills.

1883...Thousands join in the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, linking the cities of New York and Brooklyn. The span, a marvel of engineering, is hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

1974...Jazz master Edward "Duke" Ellington dies in New York at age 75. The Duke wrote more than 6,000 musical pieces and lived for many years in Harlem.

1983...Millions celebrate the centennial of the Brooklyn Bridge, still one of the city's favorite landmarks.