In 1776, New York declared its independence from Great Britain and became one of the original 13 states. Just nine years later, after forcing British troops out, New York City was named the first capital of the United States. Throughout the next two centuries, more than 12 million immigrants passed through the world famous immigration […]

Ten thousand years ago, the Lenape people hunted, fished, and farmed on the island of Manhattan. In the early 16th century, Giovanni da Verrazano sailed up the Atlantic coast and became the first European to see the rivers and woodlands that became New York City. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company sent the first […]

While New York was originally inhabited by Native Americans, the first European settlers arrived in 1624 close to present-day New York City. While New York City expanded rapidly over the years because of its commercial activity and desirable trade, other areas throughout the state were also settled and began to grow as well. The New […]

Since the first Dutch settlers arrived along the banks of the Hudson River in 1624, New York has been a coveted destination to explore as well as to live in. This state played critical roles in the formation of the country as well as in the fight for independence from Great Britain. It also was […]