As we continue our tour of the states, September 21 brings us to the perfect time to honor National New York Day.
People & Places
The Lenape people populated the land now known as New York. They’re also known as the Delaware Indians. Their settlements also spread across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of Delaware and Connecticut. However, the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle the area and named it New Netherland.
Settlements and trading posts developed up and down the Hudson River. Albany, the state capital, was once called Beverwijck and the center of the fur trade. In 1624, the Dutch established a settlement on Nutten Island named New Amsterdam. Two years later, they would move to Manhattan Island, and the colony flourished.
Over time, the settlement exchanged hands between the Dutch and British several times, each without bloodshed. The first exchange, in 1664, would name it New York.
Independence & Influence
After delcaring independence, the colonies later created the Articles of Confederation. Soon they discovered a stronger governing document was needed.
While New York sent three delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, only Alexander Hamilton remained to sign the final document. A Federalist, Hamilton held strong opinions that could potentially influence the framing of the young nation’s new governing document. For one, Hamilton supported a life term of service for the President.
Hidden Treasures
Museum of the American Gangster, New York
Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow, Sleepy Hollow
Buffalo Central Terminal, Buffalo
Abandoned Girl Scout Camp, Sodusuffalo
From the timeless halls of Ellis Island to the epic beauty of Niagara Falls and breathtaking Adirondacks, New York is infused with grand vistas and endless historical paths to retrace. With New York City as the epitome of a melting pot long before the term was coined, the state is full of inspiration for artists, sparks intelligent debate and philosophical discussion.
New York Symbols
State Capital – Albany
State Nickname – The Empire State
State Motto – Excelsior
State Slogan – I Love NY
State Bird – Eastern Blue Bird
State Reptile – Snapping Turtle
State Flower – Rose
State Fruit – Apple State Shell – Bay Scallop
State Tree – Sugar Maple
State Gemstone – Garnet
State Insect – Nine – Spotted Ladybug
NEW YORK FLAVOR
Nailing down New York food is like trying to see all the important sites in one long weekend. It’s just not possible. So, we’ll just name a few and you’ll just have to graze your way through the state tasting the rest.
Buffalo Wings
Peppermint Pig
Tomato Pie
Waldorf Salad
Salt Potatoes
Chicken Riggies
Melba Sauce
Sponge Candy
Utica Greens
Grape Pie
Mini Dogs
Explore More….
Looking for an adventure? Take a road trip for your next vacation. Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery. Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.
MARTIN VAN BUREN (December 5, 1782 – July 24, 1862)
MILLARD FILLMORE (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874)
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919)
FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945)
DONALD TRUMP (June 14, 1946 -)
Notable People
Clement Clarke Moore – Poet – (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863)
Norman Rockwell – Painter Illustrator – (February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978)
Walt Whitman – Poet – (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892)
Elizabeth Jennings Graham – Activist – (1830 – June 5, 1901)
Eleanor Roosevelt – First Lady – (October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962)
Louis Bouche’ – Artist – (March 18, 1896 – August 7, 1969)
Shirley Chisholm – Congresswoman – ( November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005)
Vince Lombardi – Football Coach – (June 11, 1913 – September 3, 1970)
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewYorkDay
Celebrate New York’s impressive spaces, historic places, and iconic personalities. Explore all New York has to offer! Use #NationalNewYorkDay to share on social media.
