Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About New York

1. State Motto: "Excelsior" (Ever upward).
2. State Bird: Eastern Bluebird.
3. State Flower: Rose.
4. New York City is the most populous city in the U.S., with over 8 million residents.
5. Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, draws millions of visitors each year.
6. The Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
7. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886 and became a symbol of freedom for immigrants arriving in the U.S.
8. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, transformed New York into a major trade hub.
9. Letchworth State Park was voted the best state park in the U.S. by USA Today in 2015.
10. New York is home to 215 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Geography of New York

New York's geography is incredibly varied, featuring mountains, rivers, lakes, and urban landscapes. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Mount Marcy (5,344 feet).
• Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Hudson River, Mohawk River, and Genesee River.

A Brief History of New York

New York has played a pivotal role in U.S. history, from its early days as a Dutch settlement to its current status as a global cultural and financial hub:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Iroquois and Algonquin.
• Colonized by the Dutch in 1624 and originally named New Amsterdam.
• Became a British colony in 1664 and renamed New York after the Duke of York.
• New York City was the first capital of the United States in 1789.
• Ellis Island served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

Top 10 Things to Do in New York

1. Visit Niagara Falls and take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.
2. Tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
3. Explore the Adirondack Mountains for hiking, camping, and stunning views.
4. See the city from the top of the Empire State Building.
5. Walk through Central Park, an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan.
6. Discover the "Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park.
7. Take a scenic drive along the Catskill Mountains.
8. Marvel at the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across it for amazing views.
9. Visit the Finger Lakes region for wineries, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation.
10. Experience the vibrant culture of Times Square and Broadway in New York City.

Top 10 Destinations in New York

1. New York City
2. Niagara Falls
3. Statue of Liberty
4. Adirondack Mountains
5. Letchworth State Park
6. Finger Lakes
7. Hudson Valley
8. Central Park
9. Brooklyn Bridge
10. Lake Placid

Plan Your Visit

For more information about New York, visit the state’s official tourism site: I Love NY