- The document traces the history of urbanization and development of New York City from 1609 through 1898, beginning with Dutch explorer Henry Hudson's arrival in 1609 and establishment of a fur trading post, the city's purchase and naming as New Amsterdam in 1626, and periods of Dutch and British rule. - Key events included the arrival of African slaves in 1627, construction of a defensive wall in 1653, renaming to New York under British rule in 1664, expansion of the city boundaries through the addition of surrounding counties, and consolidation into the 5 boroughs of modern New York City in 1898. - New York City grew to become the largest city in the new United States through the 18th and 19th centuries