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New York is the 27th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 47,224 sq mi and water area of 7,251 sq mi. It acquired statehood July 26, 1788.
New York is the 11th state of the 50 United States of America. The state was named in the 1660s for the duke of York, later King James II of England.
New York is nicknamed The Empire State. The nickname, attributed to George Washington, refers to the state's wealth and variety of resources.
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Geography of New York
Capital City: Albany
Population & Density: As per 2004 census estimate, the population is above 19 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 401.9 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: New York, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon.
Neighbor States: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode.
State Facts:
New York Motto: Excelsior-which means "Ever Upward."
State Symbols: Bird - Bluebird, Animal - The beaver, Fish - Brook Trout, Flower - Rose, Tree - Sugar Maple.
Economy of New York
Personal income per Capita - $23,389 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Dairy Products, Cattle and Other Livestock, Vegetables, Nursery Stock, Apples.
Industry - Printing and Publishing, Scientific Instruments, Electric Equipment, Machinery, Chemical Products, Tourism.
History of New York
On July 9, 1776, New York approved the Declaration of Independence and organized an independent government. The Articles of Confederation were accepted on Feb. 6, 1778. New York ratified the Constitution and became the 11th state of the Union on July 26th, 1778. New York experienced a small depression in 1970. Many factories closed and about 600,000 people lost their jobs. Since then, the economy has recovered with growth in service industries. New York tourism and population has grown as well. The state ranks second only to California in the number of new immigrants it receives every year.
Emblazoned on a dark blue field is the state coat of arms. The goddess Liberty holds a pole with a Liberty Cap on top. Liberty stands for freedom. At her feet is a discarded crown, representing freedom from England at the end of the revolutionary war. On the right is the goddess, Justice. She wears a blindfold and carries the scales of justice. Meaning that everyone receives equal treatment under the law. The state motto "Excelsior" on a white ribbon expresses the idea of reaching upward to higher goals. On the shield a sun rises over the Hudson highlands and ships sail the Hudson river. Above the shield is an eagle resting on a globe representing the Western Hemisphere.
Famous people of New York
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) One of the leaders in the fight for women's right to vote; lived in Rochester.
Bonnie Blair (1964-) The only American woman to Win a U.S.-record five individual gold medals over three Olympic Games; born in Cornwall.
Shirley Chisholm (1924-) The first black woman to be elected to Congress and the first African American to run for President on the Democratic ticket; born in Brooklyn.
Tom Cruise (1962-) Famous actor who has appeared in movies such as Top Gun, Rain Man and Mission Impossible; born in Syracuse.
Interesting Facts about New York
- The world's smallest church, only 3.5X6 feet, is located in Oneida.
- The Genesee River is one of the few rivers in the world to flow south to north.
- Arthur Eldred became the first Eagle Scout in May 1912, in Oceanside.
- The first women's rights convention met at Seneca Falls in 1848.
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