New York was first explored in 1524 by Verrazano and in 1609 by Henry Hudson. The Dutch settled Manhattan permanently in 1624, ruling as the colony of New Netherland until the English conquered it in 1664 and renamed it New York. New York declared independence from Britain in 1776 and adopted its first constitution in 1777. The fertile land and access to the Hudson River attracted settlers for farming, fur trading and merchant opportunities. The first government formed after the Revolutionary War and George Clinton was elected as the first governor in 1777. New York City and Albany both served as early state capitals.

1. Kristen HelinskiJoshua PowersCollean ToupinNew York

2. Explorers1524 – New York harbor visited by Verrazano1609 – Hudson River first explored by Henry Hudson

3. Settlers1624 – Dutch settled permanently & ruled over the colony of New Netherland for 40 years1664 – Colony conquered by English & renamed New York in honor of the Duke of YorkJuly 9, 1776 – New York declared it’s independence1777 – New York adopted its first constitution

4. WhyHudson saw great opportunity for merchants on the Hudson river (easy access)Fertile soilAbundant valuable furs for little cost

5. WhereMerchants pitched cabins on South Point of Manhattan Island

6. The first government of New York State grew out of the Revolutionary WarIn June 1777, while the war was going on, an election for the first governor took placeGeorge Clinton was elected and inaugurated as Governor at KingstonFirst Government

7. The CapitolsNew York City was the first capitol of the new nationAlbany became the capitol of New York in 1797

8. Tolerant of many religionsExample of tolerance: Lutheran church on Long IslandHad many different types of religions:Jewish synagoguePresbyterianLutheranAnglicanCongregationalBaptistRoman CatholicReligion

9. Social Life & EntertainmentNew York City described as having a social life of “elegance and polish.” Met at taverns. The Dutch population had a very “rustic” lifestyle. Men farmed and women sewed and took care of the family.Played card games, backgammon, dice. Had many outdoor games (hunting, fishing, etc.)Beach parties, quilting parties, sewing partiesFirst race course in the United States was built in Long Island in 1668. The Huckleberry Frolic was an annual event held at the race course featuring horse races, mule races, comedians, fire eaters, gymnasts and wild beasts.

10. Architecture was very traditionalExample: The Dutch built their houses and buildings in their settlements just as they had before they came to North AmericaArchitecture

11. http://www.iloveny.com/kids/history_pre_1900.asp"New Amsterdam." U*X*L Encyclopedia of U.S. History. Sonia Benson, Daniel E. Brannen, Jr., andRebecca Valentine. Ed. Lawrence W. Baker and Sarah Hermsen. Vol. 6. Detroit: UXL, 2009.1124-1127. Gale U.S. History In Context. Web. 30 Jan. 2011. http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flags/ny_flag.htmhttp://history-world.org/dutch_settlement.htmhttp://i.infoplease.com/images/mnewyork.gifhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycoloni/dahistmc.htmlhttp://www.powertolearn.com/li_history/colonial.htmlSources