List of New York City historical anniversaries facts for kids

New York City has a long and exciting history! Over the years, people have celebrated many important dates in the city's past. These celebrations, often called anniversaries, help us remember key moments. Sometimes, these events are seen as "founding myths" – stories about how the city began. But it's tricky, because people don't always agree on the exact date New York City was "founded." For example, the official Seal of New York City has shown different founding years, like 1686, 1664, and 1625, as new information or ideas came up. Some anniversaries have led to huge parties and parades, while others have been quieter.

Key Dates in New York City's History

This stained-glass window shows Peter Stuyvesant, an important figure in New Amsterdam's history. It was unveiled in 1954 at Columbia University to mark an anniversary.

Before English Rule: New Amsterdam's Beginnings

Before it was called New York, the city was a Dutch settlement named New Amsterdam. Many important events happened during this time.

• 1609: Henry Hudson Explores
  • On September 12, 1609, explorer Henry Hudson sailed his ship, the Halve Maen (Half Moon), into the river that now bears his name. This was a very early step in European exploration of the area.
    • The 300th anniversary was celebrated with the Hudson–Fulton Celebration, a huge event.
    • The 400th anniversary included events like NY400 and the creation of the New Amsterdam Plein and Pavilion.

• 1614: New Netherland Company Forms
  • On October 11, 1614, the New Netherland Company was created. This company helped set up trade in the area.
    • Its 300th anniversary was called the Commercial Tercentenary.

• 1624: First Settlers Arrive
  • In May 1624, the first European families arrived on the ship New Netherland. They were brought by the Dutch West India Company and settled on Governors Island. Some also went to Fort Orange (near modern-day Albany).
    • The 300th anniversary was marked by the Huguenot-Walloon New Netherland Commission. This included the Walloon Settlers Memorial at the Battery and a special coin called the Huguenot-Walloon half dollar.

• 1625: Fort Amsterdam is Built
  • In 1625, Fort Amsterdam was built. This fort became the main government center for New Netherland. It was designed by Cryn Fredericks.
    • The year 1625 is now shown on the city's flag (since 1975) and seal (since 1977). This change happened after a campaign by Paul O'Dwyer.
    • The 350th anniversary led to updates of the city flag and city seal.

• 1626: The "Purchase" of Manhattan
  • On May 24, 1626, Peter Minuit is said to have "purchased" Manhattan Island from the Native Americans. This event is a famous part of New York's history.
    • The 300th anniversary was marked by the Netherland Monument at the Battery.

• 1653: New Amsterdam Gets City Rights
  • On February 2, 1653, New Amsterdam officially received "municipal rights." This meant it could govern itself more like a city, thanks to efforts by Adriaen van der Donck.
    • The 300th anniversary was celebrated with the creation of Peter Minuit Plaza and the recognition of Shorakapok Rock.

After English Rule: The City of New York

In 1664, the English took control of New Amsterdam, and it was renamed New York. This marked a new chapter in the city's story.

• 1664: English Takeover
  • On September 6, 1664, the English took control of New Netherland. This event is known as the Conquest of New Netherland.
    • The year 1664 was shown on the city's flag and seal starting in 1915.
    • The 300th anniversary was celebrated with the 1964 New York World's Fair.

• 1665: First Mayor of New York
  • On June 24, 1665, Thomas Willett became the very first mayor of the City of New York.
    • The 250th anniversary led to the creation of the official city flag and an update to the city seal.

• 1686: Dongan Charter
  • On April 27, 1686, the Dongan Charter was approved. This was an important document that gave New York City more rights and its first locally approved city seal.
    • The year 1686 was marked on the city's seal from that time.

• 1783: Evacuation Day
  • On November 25, 1783, the last British soldiers left New York City after the American Revolutionary War. This day is known as Evacuation Day.
    • The 100th anniversary included the Evacuation Day Centennial and the unveiling of the George Washington statue at Federal Hall.

• 1789: George Washington's Inauguration
  • On April 30, 1789, George Washington became the first President of the United States in New York City.
    • The 100th anniversary was marked by the building of the Washington Square Arch.
    • The 150th anniversary was celebrated with the 1939 New York World's Fair.

• 1898: Greater New York is Formed
  • On January 1, 1898, the "City of Greater New York" was created. This joined Manhattan with other areas like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, making the city much larger.
    • The 25th anniversary was called the Silver Jubilee, with parades and an exhibition.
    • The 50th anniversary was the Golden Jubilee, featuring a "New York at Work" parade and the opening of Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport).
    • The 100th anniversary was known as the Greater New York Centennial.