New York early history

The New York area was inhabited by a number of Native Indian Tribes, with the Lenape in the area of where New York City is today.

The arrival of Europeans in the area lead to mass deaths of the Native Indians through disease such as Smallpox and Cholera. Also through a number of Battles with Europeans.

1625, the Dutch began to settle in the area of present day New York City, naming it New Amsterdam, using African Slaves to help build up the area.

1664 - 1674, Dutch and British wars over this area ended with the British in control, leading to it being re-named New York, after the Duke of York in England, later King James.

The British also brought in African Slaves, with up to 40% of households in New York having a Slave.

1682, the British signed a Peace Treaty with the Lenape

1763, Wars with France came to and end, with Britain gaining control of the East Coast of America.

The British tried to prevent Settlers moving West into more Native Indian Territories.

The British then began raising Taxes in America to cover the cost of the War with France, leading to unrest.

1773, a group in New York under the name Sons of Liberty, began a series of Uprisings against the British.

1775–1783, the American Revolutionary War took place as Americans wanted to end British Rule and Taxes. This War ended with American Independence from Britain.

Independence allowed Frontiersmen to travel West in search of Furs and Hides, also mapping Trails to the best Land for Settlers and looking for Gold and Silver.

1818, the first Steamships are operated between Europe and America, leading to mass Migration.

1820s, Settlers began moving West in Wagon Trains into the Wild West, leading to Wars with the Indians and Mexicans.

1800s mid, Liners from many European countries were transporting vast numbers of Migrants to New York.

1880, the first of the Skyscraper Buildings were built in New York.

1886, the Statue of Liberty was erected at the entrance to New York to welcome Migrants.

Over 12 million Migrants entered the US through New York up to the 1950s, by far the largest of all the Ports. Liners in the 1900s were built up to 1,000 feet long, carrying over 2,000 passengers.

Today, New York is made up of descendants from early European Migrants, 25% African, Russian Jews from the 1970s, Chinese, and lately, Mexicans and South Americans, many un-documented.