Discover New York State: Fun Facts and Essential Information

Historical Significance

• New York became the 11th state of the Union on July 26, 1788
• The state was named after the Duke of York (later King James II of England)
• Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954
• The first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843
• The United Nations headquarters has been located in New York City since 1952

Geographic Wonders

• New York borders six states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island
• The state has more than 7,600 freshwater lakes
• Niagara Falls moves backward at a rate of about 1 foot per year due to erosion
• The Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Olympic National Parks combined
• New York has 172 state parks and 35 state historic sites

Cultural Impact

• New York City is home to over 100 universities and colleges
• Broadway consists of 41 professional theaters
• The New York Public Library is the largest public library system in the world
• The first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843
• New York City has over 4,000 street food vendors

Essential Travel Resources

Official Tourism Websites

• I Love NY - Official Tourism Site
• NYC Official Guide
• New York State Parks
• Department of Environmental Conservation

Major Attractions

• Empire State Building
• Statue of Liberty
• Central Park
• Niagara Falls State Park

Notable Achievements and Records

• New York City's subway system is the largest in the world by number of stations (472)
• The state is home to the first presidential mansion, located in Franklin Square
• The first American railroad was built in New York in 1831
• New York was the first state to require license plates on cars
• The first regularly scheduled TV programs were broadcast in New York in 1928

Food and Culinary Heritage

• New York City has over 23,000 restaurants
• Buffalo wings were invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY in 1964
• The first pizzeria in America opened in New York City in 1905
• New York produces over 800,000 gallons of maple syrup annually
• The state is the second-largest producer of apples in the United States

Economic Impact

• If New York were an independent nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world
• Wall Street processes an average of $169 billion in trades daily
• The state has over 35,000 farms
• New York City receives over 65 million tourists annually
• The fashion industry in NYC generates over $11 billion in wages annually

Transportation Hub

• JFK International Airport handles over 62 million passengers annually
• Grand Central Terminal has 44 platforms - more than any other railroad station in the world
• The NYC subway system runs 24/7 and carries over 4 million passengers daily
• The state has over 114,000 miles of highway
• The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the East Coast

Plan Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and beautiful blooms
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities and festivals
• Fall (September-November): Spectacular fall foliage and harvest festivals
• Winter (December-March): Skiing, ice skating, and holiday celebrations

Transportation Resources

• MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
• Amtrak
• Port Authority of NY & NJ

Information compiled from various official sources. Please verify details before travel as information may change.