* English colonists: The English took control of New York from the Dutch in 1664 and renamed it New York. English colonists came from various parts of England, as well as from other European countries. They established farms and businesses and developed the colony's economy.
* French colonists: French Huguenots, who were Protestants fleeing religious persecution in France, settled in New York in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They established communities in New Rochelle and New Paltz.
* German colonists: German immigrants began arriving in New York in the early 18th century. They settled in the Hudson Valley and established communities such as Germantown and Rhinebeck.
* Irish colonists: Irish immigrants began arriving in New York in large numbers in the mid-18th century. They worked as laborers, farmers, and domestic servants.
* Jewish colonists: Jewish immigrants began arriving in New York in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They established synagogues and communities in New York City and other parts of the colony.
* African slaves: African slaves were brought to New York by Dutch and English colonists. They worked on plantations and farms, and in the homes of wealthy colonists.