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New York State Capital, Albany
New York welcomes you - New York State Capital, Albany
Albany received a charter as a city in 1686. In 1754, representatives of seven of the British North American Colonies met the Albany Congress.

Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania presented the Albany Plan of Union, the first formal proposal to unite the colonies. In 1797 the state capital of New York was moved from Kingston to Albany, about 50 miles up the Hudson River.
How does New York State compare with other states?
New York welcomes you - How does New York State compare with other states?
New York State total area is 54475 sq.mi.
  • 27th for Land 47224 sq. mi.,
  • 30th for Water 7251 sq.mi.,
  • 8th for Coastline 127 mi.,
  • 14th for Shoreline 1,850 mi.,
  • 13th for Great Lakes 3,901 sq.mi.
New York State Fun Facts.
New York welcomes you - New York State Fun Facts.
  • New York States Population 18,976,457 (2000 census).
  • Largest City, New york City.
  • Admitted, July 26, 1788.
  • The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886.
  • The New York State Canal System is 524 miles long and has 57 locks.
  • NY has more than 400 golf courses and 55 downhill ski areas.
  • Nickname, "The Empire State".
  • Longest River, Hudson River, 300 miles.
  • New York's Highest mountain, Mount Marcy, 5,344 feet.
New York State Flag & Motto:
New York welcomes you - New York State Flag & Motto
Liberty holds a pole with a Liberty Cap on top. Liberty stands for freedom. At her feet is a discarded crown, representing freedom from England at the end of the revolutionary war. On the right is, Justice. She wears a blindfold and carries the scales of justice. Meaning that everyone receives equal treatment under the law.

The state motto "Excelsior" on a white ribbon expresses the idea of reaching upward to higher goals. On the shield a sun rises over the Hudson highlands and ships sail the Hudson river. Above the shield is an eagle resting on a globe representing the Western Hemisphere.
New York Icons:
NY State Animal New York welcomes you - NY State Animal Beaver
NY State Bird New York welcomes you - NY State Bird Eastern Bluebird
NY State Fish New York welcomes you - NY State Fish Brook Trout
NY State Flower New York welcomes you - NY State Flower Rose
NY State Beverage New York welcomes you - NY State Beverage Milk
NY State Fossil New York welcomes you - NY State Fossil Sea Scorpion
NY State Gemstone New York welcomes you - NY State Gemstone Garnet
NY State Fruit New York welcomes you - NY State Fruit Apple
NY State Insect New York welcomes you - NY State Insect Ladybug
NY State Tree New York welcomes you - NY State Tree Sugar Maple
NY State Song New York welcomes you - NY State Song
"I Love New York"