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New York Colony

By , About.com Guide

Year Founded:


1664

Founded By:


Duke of York

Motivation for Founding:


In 1664, James, the Duke of York, received control of New Netherland. The name of the colony was changed to New York in honor of the Duke.

Significant Events:

  • The Albany Congress occurred at Albany, New York in 1754 to help unite the colonies for defense against the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • The Federalist Papers were published in New York newspapers to sway voters to accept the new constitution.
  • New York was the eleventh state to ratify the Constitution.

Important People:

  • James, Duke of York
  • Thomas Dongan
  • Alexander Hamilton
  • Peter Minuit

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