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The Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931, was built during the Great Depression and was funded entirely by private investors. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world.
About Westchester County
Westchester County Timeline
Westchester County, located in the southeastern part of the state of New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The original inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Wappinger and Siwanoy, who lived off the bountiful resources of the Hudson River and the region's forests.
European colonization of Westchester began in the early 1600s, when Dutch settlers established trading posts and farms in the area. The Dutch West India Company purchased land from Native American tribes and built settlements along the Hudson River, including present-day Yonkers and Tarrytown. In 1674, Westchester came under English rule as part of the Province of New York, and English towns and cities began to emerge.
During the American Revolution, Westchester County played a crucial role as a strategic location between the British-held city of New York and the Continental Army's headquarters in the Hudson Valley. Several major battles and skirmishes took place in the area, including the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Westchester residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the British Crown and others fighting for American independence.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Westchester experienced rapid industrialization and suburbanization. The construction of railroads and the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 facilitated the growth of commuter suburbs, attracting residents from New York City. Today, Westchester County is known for its wealthy towns, vibrant arts scene, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
European colonization of Westchester began in the early 1600s, when Dutch settlers established trading posts and farms in the area. The Dutch West India Company purchased land from Native American tribes and built settlements along the Hudson River, including present-day Yonkers and Tarrytown. In 1674, Westchester came under English rule as part of the Province of New York, and English towns and cities began to emerge.
During the American Revolution, Westchester County played a crucial role as a strategic location between the British-held city of New York and the Continental Army's headquarters in the Hudson Valley. Several major battles and skirmishes took place in the area, including the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Westchester residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the British Crown and others fighting for American independence.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Westchester experienced rapid industrialization and suburbanization. The construction of railroads and the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 facilitated the growth of commuter suburbs, attracting residents from New York City. Today, Westchester County is known for its wealthy towns, vibrant arts scene, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Westchester County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Westchester County, New York.
- 1683 - Westchester County is founded by an act of the New York Colonial Assembly.
- 1776 - During the American Revolution, Westchester County is partially occupied by British forces.
- 1788 - The village of Sing Sing (now called Ossining) becomes the location of New York State's first state prison.
- 1846 - The first railroad in Westchester County, the New York and Harlem Railroad, opens.
- 1872 - Untermyer Park and Gardens, one of Westchester's most famous parks, is established in Yonkers.
- 1883 - The Bronx is separated from Westchester County and becomes part of New York City.
- 1918 - The Bronx River Parkway, the first public parkway in the United States, is opened in Westchester County.
- 1921 - Playland amusement park opens in Rye.
- 1954 - The Tappan Zee Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties, is opened to traffic.
- 1977 - Westchester becomes the first suburban area to implement a curbside recycling program.