New York, The Empire State

by Sandra Merville Hart New York is known as the Empire State because of its significance to the United States and the world. New York’s early history In 1624, Dutch settlers came to the area of Governors Island in New York. They called the whole region, which also included New Jersey, New Netherlands.  Purchase of Manhattan Island The Dutch settlers purchased Manhattan Island from the Lenape Indians for 60 guilders ($24) in trade goods. Farm equipment, tools, cloth, and wampum (shell beads) were goods included in the trade. First president inaugurated in New York In New York City, our first president, George Washington, stood on the balcony of Federal Hall and placed his hand on a Bible to take the oath of office on April 30, 1789. He wore a dark brown suit...

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