New York.

The Colony of New York became a state on April 20, 1777. New York City was chosen to be the nation's first capital and was the site of the inauguration of George Washington as President on April 30, 1789.

The total length of the New York State boundary is 1,430 miles: Along the ocean around Long Island to the New Jersey shore / 246 miles. New Jersey line / 93 miles.

The first railroad in America ran between Albany and Schenectady, a distance of 11 miles.
The Catskills are the home of the legend of Rip Van Winkle.

Uncle Sam" was a meat packer from Troy, New York. During the War of 1812, Sam Wilson stamped "U.S. Beef" on his products and soldiers interpreted that as Uncle Sam. His caricature later came to personify the United States. His grave site is located in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy.

The term "The Big Apple" was coined by touring jazz musicians of the 1930s who used the slang expression "apple" for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to play the big time.

New York. Those two little words are so linked in people's minds witch the big city of that name that visitors often forget about the equally fascinating state that is also called New York.

Those seeking wide sandy beaches, historic villages, great shopping and dining and salt-water fishing can't find a better vacation spot than Long Island lying due east of New York City.

North of New York City lies the Hudson Valley, a pastoral region of low rolling hills, great antiquing, numerous wineries and notable historic sites; and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

From there, head west into the Catskills, a lively vacation spot.

The region's most famous village, Lake Placid, hosted the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympics and is now a year-round center for skating, skiing and ski-jumping. Large navigable lakes are the draw in both the 1000 Islands-Sea-way region.) and the Finger Lake region, famous for its deep glacial lakes and superb wineries.