New York can rightfully be called the heart of America. Here you can find everything for a comfortable life: bustling metropolises and quiet secluded ranches, rich forests teeming with wildlife and fertile plains.
There are extreme mountain trails and tranquil lake shores, snowy winters and hot summer days… All that’s left is to choose your own individual style and enjoy every moment lived in the “empire state”.
Brief information about the state:
- State abbreviation: NY
- State capital: Albany (99,224 people)
- State population: 19.8 million residents (ranks 4th in the U.S.)
- Largest city: New York (8.8 million people)
- State area: 141,300 square kilometers (ranks 27th in the U.S.)
- Official website: http://www.ny.gov
Landmarks of the empire state
The most iconic place in New York is undoubtedly the sculpture “illuminating the world” or the Statue of Liberty. The monument represents the image of a goddess who managed to break free from shackles and oppression. In her hands, she holds a tablet on which the date of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States (July 4, 1776) is immortalized.
The concrete-steel diva rises 93 meters above sea level and weighs over 200 tons. Anyone can visit the Statue of Liberty completely free of charge. However, travelers on a budget should note that reaching Manhattan can only be done by ferry, and a ticket for it will have to be paid.
The magnificent view of New York, a tour of the museum, the opportunity to examine the smallest details up close will delight even the most demanding tourist. The impressions from the walk will more than compensate for all the expenses incurred.
Manhattan in the state of New York is not the only island that attracts tourists. Equally popular is a piece of land situated in the waters of the Hudson River not far from Newburgh City. The area there is uninhabited and shrouded in numerous romantic legends. Several centuries ago, Bannerman’s Castle was erected there.
Its architectural ensemble impresses with its grandeur, however, life in this place did not work out for any of its 5 owners. Nowadays, the building is abandoned, but from May to October, anyone can book a tour there or hold a wedding ceremony.
Fans of antiquity are also drawn to the mountain steps in Adirondack Park. It seems that the rocky tiers of the peak form a gigantic staircase leading to heavenly abodes. Those who are not afraid of difficulties and dare to undertake the challenging ascent will remember this journey for a long time.
At every step, there is a new breathtaking view of the pristine nature. By the way, it is not necessary to tackle the route on foot. You can take advantage of the services of local guides or rent a bike.
In the state of New York, there are also corners that allow you to feel like Alice in Wonderland. For example, Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua or the Mushroom House in Pittsford.
The world-famous Niagara Falls is also located in New York, approximately 30 km from the city of Buffalo. Thousands of tons of water plummet from a height exceeding 650 m. For those who want to enjoy the madness of the water element, special observation decks and towers have been built. Thrill-seekers can test their nerves by taking a ride under the waterfall on a small pleasure boat.
History of the State
The cozy valley between the Hudson River and the Great Lakes has been inhabited by people for over 10,000 years. It was home to the well-known, warlike Iroquois and Algonquian Indian tribes.
These small nations were often at odds with each other, although they had different spheres of interest: some preferred hunting, while others practiced agriculture. Later, some leaders managed to negotiate and unite in a League for protection against a common enemy – newcomers from a distant land.
Europeans first appeared on this land in 1524. It was Giovanni da Verrazzano’s crew, exploring the coast on behalf of the French king. However, they only briefly familiarized themselves with the area before moving on to Rhode Island.
It was not until 1609 that expeditions set out to explore the territory of modern-day New York State, mostly its northern part. Two expeditions arrived here almost simultaneously – Samuel de Champlain’s from the French and Captain Henry Hudson’s from the English.
From 1611 to 1614, the Dutch actively showed interest in these lands. It was they who drew up a detailed geographical map of the area and founded Fort Nassau. Four years later, this first European settlement was destroyed by a flood, and it was abandoned.
In 1625, Fort New Amsterdam appeared on Manhattan Island. In order to attract settlers there, the Dutch actively introduced the “patroon” system – anyone could choose a tract of land and manage it as they saw fit. At the same time, the land remained the property of the state.
This policy contributed to the rapid development of agriculture, and soon the fort took a leading position among wheat and tobacco importers.
In 1664, New Amsterdam was captured by the English. Its inhabitants surrendered to the military might of their opponents almost without resistance. In honor of the Duke of York, the city was given a new name – New York.
The settlement changed hands several more times until in 1783 Manhattan and other territories of the modern state were finally recognized as part of the young democratic state – the USA.
On July 26, 1788, the Constitution of America was ratified, and New York was recognized as the eleventh state.
Interesting Facts About the State of New York
1. In June 1969, the US authorities decided to divert their side of Niagara Falls. Despite the fact that the “dry waterfall” attracted many more tourists, in November of the same year, the dam that had been built was blown up. It turned out that such intervention was necessary due to the rapid destruction of the riverbed. Once it was reinforced, the authorities returned everything to its original state.
2. Only 8 road signs are officially used in the state. And here you can turn right on a red light, but only where it is not prohibited.
3. Among the locals, the word “skyscraper” is not commonly used. Tall buildings are called “towers.”
4. The most in-demand and highly paid professions in the state of New York are considered to be those of medical doctors and their assistants. Next come IT specialists and lawyers.
5. Sparrows imported by sailors were first released in this administrative unit of the USA. Since then, the birds have spread throughout the continent, delighting Americans with their chirping.
6. According to scientists, the state is located on geological faults. Therefore, 7-point earthquakes should occur here periodically. However, no such strong tremor has ever been recorded.
7. Spanish is as commonly spoken in New York as English.
8. The state of New York is famous for its female beauty. At the same time, statistics have shown that most beauties are not native Americans, but immigrant Slavic women.
Major Cities
- New York City (≈8,405,837 inhabitants)
- Buffalo (≈261,025 inhabitants)
- Rochester (≈210,855 inhabitants)
- Yonkers (≈197,399 inhabitants)
- Syracuse (≈145,151 inhabitants)
- Albany (≈97,660 inhabitants)
- New Rochelle (≈77,606 inhabitants)
- Mount Vernon (≈67,780 inhabitants)