Homeland, harbor & metropolisOur World

New York City

Follow selected changes in the harbor, its communities, government, transport and public life.

Subject guide · scope, chapters & sources ↗

A selective city history beginning with Lenapehoking rather than an empty-island or purchase-origin story. Colonial, infrastructure and civic milestones are not an exhaustive account. The latest event is the verified congestion-pricing launch of 5 January 2025.

Before European colonizationManhattan and the lower Hudson region

Lenapehoking precedes the colonial city

Manhattan is part of an Indigenous homeland.

1624–1625New York Harbor

Dutch colonists settle in the harbor

A colonial settlement moves toward Manhattan.

Manuscript map of a compact waterfront town with garden plots, streets and a fort. — Unknown draftsman, after Jacques Cortelyou · Public domain (PD-Art; underlying work over 100 years after creator’s lifetime)

1664New York

New Amsterdam becomes New York

English control brings a new colonial name.

30 April 1789Lower Manhattan

A president takes office at Federal Hall

New York hosts the first US presidential inauguration.

1825New York State and New York Harbor

An inland waterway strengthens the port

The Erie Canal links western trade with the Hudson route.

24 May 1883East River

The Brooklyn Bridge opens

A suspension bridge connects the two cities.

Color print of a suspension bridge across the East River, with sailing ships and steam vessels below. — Currier and Ives; Library of Congress reproduction · Public domain (United States publication, 1883)

1 January 1892Ellis Island, New York Harbor

Ellis Island opens to immigration processing

A harbor station receives its first arrivals.

1 January 1898The five boroughs

A five-borough city takes shape

Separate jurisdictions join a larger municipal government.

27 October 1904Manhattan

The IRT subway opens

Underground rapid transit gains a major new route.

Curved subway platform beneath tiled arches and skylights, with ladders and construction materials. — Unknown photographer; Detroit Publishing Company collection, Library of Congress · Public domain / no known copyright restrictions (Detroit Publishing Company collection)

28 June 1969Greenwich Village, Manhattan

Resistance at Stonewall

A police raid meets collective resistance.

Flowers, rainbow flags and anti-hate signs outside the Stonewall Inn’s window. — Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0

11 September 2001Lower Manhattan

Attacks strike the World Trade Center

Lower Manhattan faces catastrophic loss and rescue efforts.

5 January 2025Manhattan

Congestion pricing begins

Entering central Manhattan gains a new toll.