When did the New Year’s Eve Ball first drop in Times Square?

For the first ball drop — it used to be lowered down the flagpole by six men and a pulley system.

The annual celebration brings together people from around the world, huddling under the cold New York City air as they watch the ball drop from One Times Square.

Now the ball is dropped using a computer system and it has been decked out with lights, crystals, and other technological advances.