What Is the History of New York?

A key event in New York history occurred in 1788, when it ratified the Constitution. By 1820, according to "Collier's Encyclopedia," New York ranked first in population among the states. In 2009 the U.S. Census Bureau ranked it third in population density, behind California and Texas.

History

Any history of New York must mention Giovanni da Verrazano, who sailed into New York waters in April 1524 and into history books as its discoverer. Early inhabitants included Native American tribes: the Algonquians and Iroquois. Legend has it that the Dutch bought Manhattan Island from Native Americans in 1664 for $24 in trinkets.

Time Frame

French and Dutch navigators respectively Samuel de Champlain and Henry Hudson explored the region. Hudson recognized New York's fur-trading potential and recruited settlers who formed the Dutch West India Company in 1621.

Conquest

Dutch settlements gave way to English victories in 1664. Important to New York and its history, England's King Charles II granted his brother James, Duke of York and Albany, lands that included all of New Netherland, giving the state its name.

Wars

A series of wars among the French, English and Dutch continued. Colonialists railed against Britain's growing taxation. In 1775 the Sons of Liberty established the beginnings of revolutionary government in New York State.

Civil War

According to "Collier's Encyclopedia," New York State sent 500,000 soldiers to fight on the Union side during the Civil War. War and postwar expansion led to widespread industrial capitalism, the rise of financial institutions, and wholesale and retail merchandising.

Immigration

World War I and II greatly impacted New York history as waves of immigrants fled war-torn Europe.

References

• Collier's Enclyclopedia; Collier Educational Corporation; 1993
• U.S. Census Bureau

Resources

• New York: A Documentary Film
• New York Historical Society
• Discovery and Settlement