A Brief History
When most people think of New York City, they think of the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan. But did you know that NYC is actually made up of five boroughs? And that it wasn’t always the bustling metropolis we know today? Check out this brief history of NYC to learn more about one of the most iconic cities in the world.
The Five Boroughs
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. These boroughs are home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the city, including Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. But each borough has its own unique history and personality.
Manhattan is the smallest by land area but also the most densely populated borough. It’s home to some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, like Tribeca and Greenwich Village. Brooklyn is the largest by population and is known for its hipster culture and diverse array of ethnic groups. Queens is the most ethnically diverse county in the US and is home to JFK International Airport. The Bronx is known for being the birthplace of hip-hop and for Yankee Stadium. Staten Island is the least populated borough but is home to the famous Staten Island Ferry.
The Founding of New York City
The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in what would become New York City. In 1624, they founded a tiny trading post on present-day Governors Island called Fort Amsterdam. Two years later, they purchased Manhattan from the Native Americans for 60 guilders—which equals about $1,000 in today’s money.
In 1664, England conquered New Netherland from the Dutch and renamed it after their Duke of York: James Stuart, who would later become King James II. One year later, Staten Island was added to NYC when it was purchased from an Indigenous tribe called Raritan Band for 800 fathoms (1,440 meters) of wampum—or beads made from seashells that were used as a form currency by Native Americans—and 10 coats.
The Bronx was annexed in 1874 after voting to join New York State because it was bankrupted by a long lawsuit over property taxes that residents couldn’t afford to pay anymore. Brooklyn joined NYC in 1898 after voting to consolidate with Manhattan because it was outgrowing its infrastructure (i.e., water supply). And finally, Queens became part of NYC in 1898 as well after voting to consolidate—despite being initially reluctant because residents didn’t want to be governed by Manhattanites!
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