New York is among the oldest states in America and contains New York City, the most heavily populated city in the country. New York City's wealth of cultural attractions and historical landmarks make it one of the most frequently visited states by tourists. Multiple presidents have called New York their birth place and the state is home to several professional sports teams.
New York officially became the 11th state in America in 1788. Like the other first several states, it was previously a British colony. New York City was the capital of the United States for two years, 1789 and 1790. The Battle of Saratoga and other Civil War battles were fought in New York. New York is the 30th largest state in terms of land and contains 62 counties.
New York is represented by the state bird, the eastern bluebird. The state mammal is the beaver and the ladybug is the state insect. The state tree of New York is the sugar maple and the state fruit is the apple. New York's state flower is the rose and its state fish is the trout. Former presidents Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt were all born in the state of New York.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in New York is the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France first erected in 1884. New York City also contains the Empire State Building, the tallest in the country. The New York Yankees and Mets baseball teams, Knicks basketball team and Islanders hockey team all play their home games within New York state. The capitol building is located in Albany and New York City is home to Broadway and its theatrical plays and musicals.
After the 2000 Census, New York was ranked as the third-largest state in terms of population. New York City is the most populous city. Albany is the capital of the state, though it is not among the largest. Besides New York, the largest cities are Rochester, Buffalo, Yonkers and Syracuse.
