On this date in...

1877...The U.S. Congress approves Bedloe's Island as the home for the planned Statue of Liberty, which will be dedicated nine years later. In 1956 the island's name will officially be changed to Liberty Island, which is how it's known today.

1881...New York City accepts Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt. The 90-foot ancient obelisk still stands in Central Park.

1934...Stage and screen star Fannie Brice, a product of the Lower East Side, hams it up at a beauty contest with her fellow Zeigfeld Follies showgirls.

1951...Walt Disney's animated version of "Cinderella" premieres in New York.