About New York: America's Business Capital

New York became the 11th state in 1788, but its history stretches back thousands of years with native peoples including the Lenape, Iroquois Confederacy, and Algonquin tribes. Dutch explorer Henry Hudson arrived in 1609, leading to the establishment of New Amsterdam, which later became New York City.

The state transformed dramatically in the 19th century with the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and establishing New York as America's commercial gateway. This infrastructure fueled unprecedented growth, turning New York City into the nation's largest city and busiest port.

The 20th century brought the rise of Wall Street as the world's financial center, the construction of iconic skyscrapers, and waves of immigration that made New York the most diverse place on Earth. Today, New York State has a GDP exceeding $2 trillion, ranking as the world's 10th largest economy if it were a country.