Put the pipe down for a while and read up on NYC/NY/American history....
1524
Explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, commissioned by the King of France, sailed to the New World, and into what is now New York Harbor; probably accompanied by Jacques Cartier.
1609
After sailing to the New World on the Halve Maen, Henry Hudson explored the mighty river that would later be named for him. Samuel de Champlain explored the northeastern region of the area now called New York and discovered his namesake, Lake Champlain.
1624
The first Dutch settlement was established; for 40 years the Dutch ruled over the colony of New Netherland.
1664
The British army conquered the colony of New Netherland, which was then re-named New York, in honor of the Duke of York.
1754 - 1763
The French and Indian War, a fierce contest to gain control of the New World, changed the course of history. The British and American colonists fought against the French and Canadians, with Native American allies on both sides. By uniting the colonies and building their military strength and confidence, this war set the stage for the American Revolution.
1765
New York City hosted the first Colonial Congress, a conference called to discuss the King of England’s Stamp Act.
1775 - 1783
The Revolutionary War. On May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and 83 “Green Mountain Boys” surprised the sleeping British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga and took the fort called the Key to a Continent without firing a shot. This was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War.
1776
After serving as a colony of Great Britain for over a century, New York declared its independence on July 9, becoming one of the original 13 states of the Federal Union.
1777
New York’s first constitution was adopted on April 20. George Clinton was elected as New York’s first Governor in June. On October 17, the Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Saratoga, one of the decisive battles of the world. This victory marked the turning point of the Revolution, leading to the Americans’ alliance with the French and eventual victory.
1783
On November 25, the last British troops evacuated New York City, which had been occupied by the British since September 1776. This was the last British military position in the US. After they departed, US General George Washington entered the city in triumph to the cheers of New Yorkers.
1785-1790
New York City became the first capital of the United States. In 1789, it was the site of George Washington’s inauguration as the first US President; it remained the nation’s capital until 1790.
1792
The New York Stock Exchange was founded in New York City.