New York is located in the northeastern region of the United States, bordered by the states of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as by the Canadian province of Quebec.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of New York in 2020 was 20,201,249.
The capital of New York is Albany, and the estimated population of Albany in 2020 was 97,279.
The most populous city in New York is New York City, which has an estimated population of 8,804,190 in 2020. New York City is also the largest city in the United States.
New York has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years, and has been shaped by its geography and cultural influences.
Pre-Columbian Era: The earliest known human settlement in what is now New York dates back at least 11,000 years, when Native American tribes such as the Lenape, Mohawk, and Iroquois inhabited the region. They lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and farming, and built settlements along the rivers and lakes of the region.
European Colonial Era: In 1609, the Dutch explorer Henry Hudson arrived in the region and claimed it for the Dutch East India Company, naming it New Netherland. The Dutch established the colony of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan Island in 1624, which later became New York City. The English took control of the colony in 1664 and renamed it New York, in honor of the Duke of York.
American Revolutionary Era: New York played a key role in the American Revolution. In 1776, the Battle of Long Island was fought in Brooklyn, where American forces were defeated by the British. However, later that year, General George Washington was able to surprise the British by crossing the Delaware River and capturing Trenton and Princeton in New Jersey. The victory boosted American morale and led to the eventual defeat of the British.
Modern Era: During the 19th century, New York City became a major hub for trade and commerce, and the state’s population boomed. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, linked New York City with the Great Lakes and opened up new trade routes for the state. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants from Europe came to New York, creating a rich cultural melting pot.
New York played a major role in the Civil War, providing troops, supplies, and funds to support the Union effort. During the 20th century, New York became a center of finance, media, and culture. The state was also hit hard by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed. Today, New York remains a global leader in finance, technology, and culture, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and institutions.