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  New York was inhabited by the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Lenape Native American groups at the time Dutch settlers moved into the region in the early 17th century. In 1609, the region was first claimed by Henry Hudson for the Dutch. Fort Nassau was built near the site of the present-day capital of Albany in 1614. The Dutch soon also settled New Amsterdam and parts of the Hudson River Valley, establishing the colony of New Netherland. The British took over the colony by annexation in 1664.

  The borders of the British colony, the Province of New York, were roughly similar to those of the present-day state. About one third of all the battles of the Revolutionary War took place in New York. New York became an independent state on July 9, 1776, and enacted its constitution in 1777. The state ratified the United States Constitution on July 26, 1788 to become the eleventh state of the union.

  In the early 1800s about the only mode of transportation in NY State was by wagon or horseback. The leaders of the state looked for a better way to get produce to market, and produce to the settlers. In 1817, construction was started on a canal the length of the state. Called jokingly "Clinton's Big Ditch" It was finished on October 25, 1825. Here is a pamplet printed by the state telling the history of the Erie Canal

  New York is surrounded by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada


State Bird: Bluebird State Flower: Rose State Tree: Sugar Maple State Nickname: The Empire State
State Motto: Excelsior (Ever Upwards) State Song: I Love New York State Mammal: Beaver State Insect: Ladybird Beetle (Nine-spotted Lady Bug)
State Fish: Brook Trout State Shell: Bay Scallop State Fruit: Apple State Fossil: Sea Scorpion
State Gem: Garnet   

County Listing

Obituary Search (nationwide)
Statewide Resources New York Governors New York Military Project
Wars, Battles and Conflicts fought on NY soil. New York Forts

This page last updated 30 November 2017.


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