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The first [[Europeans]] to settle in what is now New York were the [[Dutch]],  establishing the first permanent community in 1624 calling it New Netherland.  The [[British]] conquered the colony in 1664 and renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York.

The first [[Europeans]] to settle in what is now New York were the [[Dutch]],  establishing the first permanent community in 1624 calling it New Netherland.  The [[British]] conquered the colony in 1664 and renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York.

The colony was ruled by Great Britain for just over a century when New York declared its independence on July 9, 1776.  A year later, on April 20th, 1777, New York' adopted its first constitution.

The colony was ruled by Great Britain for just over a century when New York declared its independence on July 9, 1776.  A year later, on April 20th, 1777, New York adopted its first constitution.

==Facts==

==Facts==

* Nickname:  The Empire State.

* Nickname:  The Empire State.

* State Capital: Albany.

* State Capital: [[Albany]].

* Total area: 54,471.144 square miles (47,223.839 land and 7,247.305 inland water).

* Total area: 54,471.144 square miles (47,223.839 land and 7,247.305 inland water).

* Population: Based on the 2000 census – 18,976,457; 3rd most populous US state after California and Texas.  

* Population: Based on the 2000 census – 18,976,457; 3rd most populous US state after California and Texas.