New York
New York became a U.S. state on July 26, 1788 as the 11th state. An Italian born Giovanni da Verrazano sailing for France, discovered New York Bay in 1524. The Hudson River was first explored by Henry Hudson in 1609.
The Dutch settled in New York in 1624 and for 40 years they ruled over the colony which was named New Netherland. In 1664 it was conquered by the British and named New York in honor of the Duke of York.
New York declared its independence on July 9, 1776, becoming one of the original 13 states of the Federal Union. The next year, on April 20, 1777, New York’s first constitution was adopted. New York state borders New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
The term “The Big Apple” was first used by touring jazz musicians of the 1930s who used the slang expression “apple” for any town or city. The Big Apple was in fact the big city.
Capital
Albany
Population as of 2009
19,541,453 Ranked number 3 in the U.S.
Seats in the House of Representatives
29
Electoral College
31
Nick name
Empire State
Flower
Rose
Bird
Bluebird
Animal
American Beaver
