New York City – History, Facts and Quotes
Explore the rich history and cultural significance of New York City, a global metropolis that has shaped art, commerce, and innovation. From its Native American roots to European settlement, New York City played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and early America. Discover the stories, facts, and quotes that make this bustling city a timeless symbol of ambition and resilience.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Nov 28, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 28, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Welcome to “New York City – History, Facts and Quotes”! This article uncovers the rich history, fascinating facts, and inspiring quotes that define the essence of New York City. Discover the city’s Native American origins, European settlement, and its significant role in the American Revolution.
To ensure you’re protected while exploring the city’s wonders, enter your zip code below and compare rates from the best insurance providers. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of New York City’s past and present!
New York City Facts
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with an estimated 2016 population of around 8.6 million people. The population density is also the highest of any major city, with around 27,000 people per square mile, and the population has increased by over 1 million since 1990. The city is very diverse as well, with over 200 languages being spoken at home in New York City. New York has long been a center of innovation and diversity. In fact, both the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs were held in New York City.
Resources:
- PBS Thirteen: Did you know? Fun facts about NYC’s parks
- New York City Department of City Planning: Population facts
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History of New York
New York City has a long and interesting history. Originally populated by Native Americans, the land changed hands several times during European settlement and came to play an important role in the American Revolution and early America as well as the centuries that followed. Even before human habitation, New York was populated by animals. In fact, the oldest animal fossils in the Eastern United States have been found in New York!
Resources:
- New York State Museum: Ancient life of New York: a billion years of Earth history
- New York Public Library: Best of the web: New York City history
Early Settlement
When Europeans arrived in New York, Native American tribes, such as the Delaware and the Lenape, were already inhabiting the area. Although an Italian explorer named Giovanni de Verrazano was most likely the first European to enter New York’s harbor, the Dutch were the first Europeans to build a settlement, called New Amsterdam, near what is today New York City. In 1664, however, the British conquered New Amsterdam and renamed it New York after James Stuart (later James II), Duke of York. Although it returned to Dutch rule briefly in 1673, by 1674 it was firmly in the hands of the British Empire.
Resources:
- Native-Languages.org: Native American tribes of New York
- Local Histories: A brief history of New York City
Revolutionary Period
New York City prospered between its acquisition by the British and the American Revolution. However, the colony also suffered under British taxes, and much action leading up to the Revolution occurred in New York, already a populous city and center of activity in colonial America. During the Revolution, New York City became a key focal point for both sides. The British wanted the city as a base to fight the Continental Army, and the Revolutionary Army wanted to keep the city to prevent the British from having control over the port. The British did capture the city and New York City remained in British control until the end of the war in 1783.
Resources:
- The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: The New York campaign (July to November 1776)
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon: New York campaign
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Early American Period
After the American Revolution, New York City was turned over to the Americans in 1783. The early American Congress met in New York City under the Articles of Confederation from 1789 to 1790, and was the first national capital of the new government, post-Revolution, before Washington, DC became the American capital. New York continued to grow rapidly, surpassing Philadelphia as the largest US city, and becoming a center of national and international commerce even in its early days as a part of the new nation.
Resources:
- United States Senate: Meeting places and quarters
- org: A new national capital: Washington, D.C.
Ellis Island
From almost its inception, New York City attracted immigrants, but in the nineteenth century, the city became a center of immigration to the United States. Huge international issues, like the Irish Potato Famine, played a role in these immigration surges. Ellis Island was the first stop for many immigrants coming into the US. The island had been a small island used for harvesting oysters, for hanging pirates, and as the site of a fort, Fort Gibson, before it was turned into an immigration station. When Ellis Island officially opened in 1892, it began processing huge numbers of immigrants. Over the next 62 years, more than 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island!
Resources:
- The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Foundation: Ellis Island history
- Save Ellis Island: History
Early 20th Century
In the early 20th century, New York continued to be a center of commerce, news, and immigration. Immigration continued in huge numbers, and still continues today. After the Civil War, the area of Harlem became a cultural center for African American music, film, theater, dance, poetry, and more, resulting in the Harlem Renaissance. Huge talent, like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, came out of the exciting movement.
Resources:
- South Street Seaport Museum: Millions: New York City immigration in the 20th century
- Library of Congress: A guide to Harlem Renaissance materials
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Modern New York
New York City today is famous for a variety of reasons including Wall Street, New York Fashion Week, and more, but also for the huge impact it has had on American and international culture. Television shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and How I Met Your Mother used the city as almost another character, and movies like When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, and many others could not have been set anywhere else.
New York City has also found itself at the center of tragedy. On September 11th, 2001, terrorists flew two planes in the World Trade Center, resulting in a huge loss of life. The eyes of the world centered on New York City. However, the city has rebuilt and remained resilient in the face of tragedy.
Resource:
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: About the museum
Quotes About New York City
New York City is one of the most talked about cities in the world. Frank Sinatra’s song lyrics “Theme from New York, New York” proclaims that “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere!” Great literature also contains references to New York. In the quote, “The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world,” F. Scott Fitzgerald writes of the city in The Great Gatsby. New York City is a place oft quoted and mentioned in cultural works.
Famous Building, Structures, and Landmarks
New York City is home to many famous landmarks. Central Park, for example, is one of the largest public parks in the world. The Empire State Building has been featured in movies from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle, and the New York Subway system has been a model for transportation systems across the world.
Resources:
- MTA: Subways
- Empire State Building: Historical timeline
- Central Park Conservancy: Park history
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Additional Resources
New York City is a fascinating place, and whether to live or visit, it’s definitely a place to go at least once in your life! To help you learn more, here are some resources you can use to learn more about this amazing city!
The Official Website of the City of New York is a great resource to start with: NYC resources.
The Museum of the City of New York gets into some of the stories and history surrounding New York: Stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of New York City?
New York City was founded in 1624 by Dutch settlers and was originally named New Amsterdam. It became an English colony in 1664 and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as the site of the nation’s first capital. Over time, it grew to become one of the world’s most influential and iconic cities.
What are some interesting facts about New York City?
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with over 8 million people. It is also home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Additionally, it is a hub of culture, finance, and commerce, and is home to many of the world’s top universities and museums.
Who are some notable figures associated with New York City?
New York City has been home to many influential figures throughout its history. Some notable examples include Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury; Ed Koch, a former mayor who oversaw the city’s revitalization in the 1980s; and Jay-Z, a musician and entrepreneur who has become an icon of the city’s hip-hop scene.
Why is New York City significant?
New York City is significant for a number of reasons. It is one of the world’s most important cultural and financial centers, and is home to many of the world’s most influential businesses and institutions. Additionally, it has played a pivotal role in the history of the United States, serving as a hub of innovation, creativity, and activism.
What are some famous quotes about New York City?
These are the famous quotes about New York City.
- “I love New York. You can pop out of the underworld in Central Park, hail a taxi, head down Fifth Avenue with a giant bag of money and nobody will look twice.” – Neil Simon
- “New York is a city that has reinvented itself many times throughout its history. It remains one of the most exciting, dynamic, and creative places on earth.” – Michael Bloomberg
- “The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.