Holding both America’s largest city and miles of pristine wilderness, New York State has a lot to offer. As one of the original 13 colonies, it has a long and storied history ready for the visitor to discover.
History
By 1100 CE, Native Americans had fanned out across the mountains, valleys and lake shores of what is now New York State. By 1609, European settlers had come into the area, with the Dutch making land claims and buying the island of Manhattan in 1624 from its natives. By 1664, the British had taken over colonization of the state, naming it for the English Duke of York.
Governor’s Island where New York was founded by the Dutch. (For more…)
New York proved pivotal during the rebellion against the British; most historians peg the Battle of Saratoga as the turn of the tide during the American Revolution. Additionally, the Battle of Long Island was the largest military engagement of that conflict. After the dust had settled, the new United States of America chose New York City as its capital, serving as such from 1785 to 1790. During that time New York ratified the Constitution, becoming the 11th state to enter the United States on July 26, 1788.
New York State has always had one foot firmly planted in the future. New York City has remained America’s largest urban area since 1790, holding sway as the financial and cultural center of a nation for over 200 years (a true testament to planning ahead). The Erie Canal, finished in 1825, conquered the mountains and connected the East Coast with the Great Lakes, a feat of engineering unparalleled in its time. Additionally, the Women’s Rights Movement began in upstate New York’s Seneca Falls in 1848, when feminists and abolitionists gathered together to strategize on obtaining suffrage and freedom for all Americans. A century later, the Stonewall Riots in 1969 New York City signaled the beginning of the LGBT rights movement.
New York City is New York State’s top tourist attraction and rightfully so.
Today, New York continues to be a center of innovation, finance and culture. Its historical preservationists keep the state’s colorful, larger-than-life past alive and accessible.
Tips
The Empire Passport allows a vehicle year-round access to New York’s myriad state parks and historical attractions. It’s available here.
Upstate New York ranks among the snowiest regions in the world, so prepare accordingly if traveling in the winter months.
While you definitely don’t need a car in New York City, you will need one for Long Island and Upstate New York.
