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.