1930: Work began on the Empire State Building in New York City.

1917: Nat King Cole, an American musician was born. Cole first came to prominence as a jazz pianist but who reached enormous popularity with his warm, relaxed, ballad singing.

1776: British General William Howe evacuated Boston after a successful siege by American revolutionaries led by General George Washington.

1762: The first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City with Irish soldiers who were serving in the British military in the colonies.

461: St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, died on this day in 461 in Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland. Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary, bishop and apostle of Ireland. The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade dates back to 1762. Other cities with major parades and festivities include Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Savannah, Georgia.