New York City

Largest city in the United States

New York City (NYC), often simply called New York, is the most populous city in the United States. Located at the southern tip of the state of New York, the city is the center of the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the world by urban landmass. With over 8 million residents within a land area of about 302.6 square miles (784 km²), New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the United States.

History

Early History

The Castello Plan showing the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam in 1660

The area that is now New York City was originally inhabited by the Lenape people. The first European explorer to visit the area was Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian in the service of the French crown, in 1524. However, it was not until 1609 that Henry Hudson, an Englishman sailing for the Dutch East India Company, explored the area and claimed it for the Dutch Republic.

In 1624, the Dutch established a settlement on Governors Island which they called New Amsterdam. The settlement was located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island and served as the capital of the New Netherland colony. The city was a major trading post for the Dutch, and its strategic location made it a key point for trade and commerce.

British Rule

The fall of New Amsterdam to the English in 1664

In 1664, the English seized control of New Amsterdam and renamed it New York, in honor of the Duke of York. The city continued to grow under British rule, becoming an important port and commercial center. During the American Revolutionary War, New York City was a major battleground and served as the British military and political base of operations in North America.

19th Century

A view of Fort George with the city of New York, from the southwest

The 19th century saw rapid growth and development in New York City. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected the city to the Great Lakes and the interior of the United States, spurring economic growth. The city became a major destination for immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany, and later from Italy and Eastern Europe.

The American Civil War further accelerated the city's growth, as it became a major supplier of goods and materials for the Union Army. The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 and the opening of the Statue of Liberty in 1886 were significant milestones in the city's development.

20th Century

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy

The 20th century was a period of significant change and modernization for New York City. The city became a global center for finance, culture, and industry. The construction of iconic skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building transformed the city's skyline.

The city also faced challenges, including the Great Depression, which led to economic hardship, and the 1970s fiscal crisis, which brought the city to the brink of bankruptcy. However, New York City rebounded in the late 20th century, becoming a hub for innovation and creativity.

21st Century

Aerial view of New York City

In the 21st century, New York City continues to be a global leader in finance, culture, and technology. The city has faced new challenges, including the September 11 attacks in 2001, which had a profound impact on the city and the nation. The rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and the creation of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum are testaments to the city's resilience.

Geography

New York City is located on the northeastern coast of the United States, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough is a separate county of New York State.

The city's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with numerous islands and waterways. The East River and the Harlem River separate Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens, while the Hudson River separates Manhattan from New Jersey.

Economy

New York City is a global financial center, home to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, the world's two largest stock exchanges by market capitalization. The city's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from finance, media, technology, and tourism.

The city is also a major center for the arts, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. Broadway is renowned for its theatrical productions, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Culture

Times Square, a major commercial and entertainment hub

New York City is a cultural melting pot, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse cuisine, and iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The city's neighborhoods, such as Harlem, Chinatown, and Little Italy, reflect its diverse cultural heritage. New York City is also a major center for music, fashion, and media.

Transportation

New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including the New York City Subway, one of the largest and oldest in the world. The city is also served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

The city's streets are a bustling mix of cars, buses, and pedestrians, with iconic yellow taxis providing a quintessential New York experience.

Related pages

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island
• New York metropolitan area