While the State of New York is best known for New York City's urban atmosphere, especially Manhattan's skyscrapers, most of the state is, in fact, dominated by farms, forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes. Whether it's big city living or a small-town lifestyle, New York State has it all.
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The Iroquois Indians were most probably first to witness a spectacular waterfall in about 1300. They christened it "Niagara," meaning thunder of the waters. White men did not set foot on New York soil until 1524. Shortly thereafter, Henry Hudson claimed the land for the Dutch.
The potential for trade stimulated interest in the Dutch. This led to the purchase of Manhattan for 60 guilders (about $24) from the American Indians in 1626. By 1664 the colony was bankrupt and was surrendered to the British who named it New York.
Almost one-third of all Revolutionary War battles were fought in New York. The surrender at Saratoga in 1777 is said to be turning point of the Revolution. George Washington’s inauguration was in New York City in 1789.
The early 1800s were boom time in the state. Manufacturing thrived and transportation systems sprouted to make New York City a leading industrial center and news capital of the country. The opening of the Erie Canal provided the central states access to the city’s bustling trade.
After the Civil War, the economy prospered while the waves of immigrants provided inexpensive labor. Soon skyscrapers were built, empires of rail and steel grew and electrical power was transferred from Niagara Falls to Buffalo.
The 1900s brought about change and reform. Sanitation and fire codes were established. Child labor laws were instituted. The country’s first Worker’s Compensation Act was passed in 1913. Although the 1970s saw large scale financial crisis, New York City is still the leader in banking, communications and securities.
The leading employers in the state are service industries, particularly business and health services. The ports of New York and New Jersey handle a large portion of all American exports and imports. Certain places in the state are synonymous with their products. New York City has apparel, Rochester has cameras, Corning has glass, Oneida has silverware and Long Island manufactures aircraft.
Agriculture is a big business with New York among the leaders in the production of apples, cauliflower, cherries, grapes, maple syrup, onions, pears, snap beans and sweet corn. It is first in the production of cream and cottage cheese.
The statewide sales tax is 4 percent with local options for additional increments of up to 4.5 percent. Localities may impose taxes on lodgings, admissions or restaurant meals. New York City imposes a 13.25 percent plus $2.00 room tax as well as additional sums depending on the room rate.
Each corner of the state has its own, unique recreational focus. Chautauqua Lake in the west offers boating, fishing and swimming. The Adirondacks and the Catskills are noted as resorts with excellent golf courses and elaborate social programs. In winter, these two mountain regions transform themselves into downhill skiing hot spots.
