A Journey Through New York City's History: From New Amsterdam to the Big Apple

1600s

Lenape inhabited Manahatta. 1609: Henry Hudson arrives. 1626: Dutch found New Amsterdam.

1700s

1776: Battle of Brooklyn. British occupation. 1789: Washington inaugurated at Federal Hall.

1800s

Explosive growth as port. Immigrant waves (Europe). Croton Aqueduct, Erie Canal boost commerce.

1900s

Skyscrapers (Woolworth, Empire State). Subway opens. Lower East Side and boroughs flourish.

20th–21st Centuries

Wars, booms, busts, civil rights, women's movement. Global capital of finance, arts, culture. Icons: Statue of Liberty, Times Square.

Each era layered the city's unique character.