A Crash Course on NYC History
Almost everyone knows a little something about New York. So for all those trying to brush up their NYC History, we’ve made a short crash course. Here are a few key highlights of this city’s incredible past.
1664 – New York Gets Its Name
In 1664, New Netherland was officially conquered by the British Army. The British then named it New York in honor of the Duke of York.
1775 – America’s First Victory
On May 10, 1775 Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold with 83 “Green Mountain Boys” massacred the British in their sleep and took Fort Ticonderoga without firing a single shot.
1785 – New York City Becomes America’s First Capital
image circa 1929
Before Washington D.C. became the nation’s capital in 1790, New York city served as the nation’s first capital, and what is now known as Federal Hall was the site of George Washington’s inauguration as the first president of the United States.
1827 – New York Outlaws Slavery
In 1827, with abolitionist leaders such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown, New York was far ahead of the curb in terms of abolishing slavery. At the time, they had more anti-slavery organizations than any other state in America!
1883 – New York City Constructs the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, an absolute feat of engineering and architecture, officially completed construction in 1883. At the time, it was by far the longest suspension bridge in the world, and it didn’t come at little cost. More than twenty people died during its construction, and many more were badly injured.
1886 – America Received The Statue of Liberty
In honor of 100 years of independence, France gifted Americans, and more specifically New Yorkers, with The Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886. It was actually built in Paris, and was then disassembled and sent to America in 214 wooden crates. This iconic statue gets millions of visitors every year, and is one of the biggest NYC attractions.
1902 – The City’s First Skyscraper
In the 20th century, New York began to become what it is today. The first glimpse of this was in the construction of the city’s first skyscraper, the Flatiron Building, at 21 stories high. This location is still a highlight in many NYC tours, and will always be a significant part of NYC history.
1931 – New York City Get’s Two More Iconic Skyscrapers
This year features many architectural feats, including the completion of the Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, and the George Washington Bridge. These were the first structures that began to define the iconic New York City Skyline, and are still some of the biggest NYC attractions.
1939 – The Opening of the World’s Fair
On the 150th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration, The Worlds’ Fair opened in New York City. Every year several countries participate in this innovative pooling of ideas from across the world, and it still serves as one of the largest NYC attractions and is a highlight of many NYC tours.
1973 – Completion of The World Trade Center
Hopefully our crash course on the history of New York City has enlightened your understanding of the city’s great past. newly acquired knowledge of its extensive history, impressive landmarks, and most memorable NYC attractions.