New York History - article about New York History

New York History

The influential Dutch East India Company had a part to play in the development of the area. Its employee, Englishman Henry Hudson, was the first person to map out the district and he gave his name to the Hudson River. A Dutch fur trading post was established in 1613, in what came to be known as New Amsterdam. New Amsterdam grew, finally becoming an official city in 1653. The British turned the tide of New York history when they took over the city in 1664, re-naming it New York. British occupation continued until 1783.

The American Revolutionary War removed British rule and New York was the new nation's capital city from 1788-1790. The economy began to thrive and the population was made up of successful bankers, merchants and craftsmen. Everyone wanted to take advantage of the prosperity and many immigrants arrived from Ireland in the 1840s. This caused friction amongst other groups and there was violence on the streets.

Following the American Civil War, in which the city had interests in both sides, more migration came from Europe. People wanting a better life for themselves and their families have impacted New York history. Thousands of migrants sailed into the harbor, without any money but with a dream. The city developed as a modern metropolis, building a subway system in 1904. The planners also wanted to provide an open green space for its residents and Central Park was the result. It was the first park of its kind in any US city and opened in 1873.

Like any city, New York has had its ups and downs. New York history was tough for some people and they suffered along with their fellow Americans during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Racial tension erupted during the 1960s and there were race riots. The city went through an economic boom during the 1980s, when the financial hub of Wall Street led the way. The most recent event of modern New York history would dominate the news when the terrorist attack took place on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. New Yorkers honored the 3,000 people who lost their lives and the courage of their firefighters.

Comments	Date

Name:
Comments :

<a href="http://www.refresharticles.com/articles/humanities/new_york_history.txt">New York History</a>