Provides an overview of the history of New York and of how the United States government came to acquire Ellis Island. Fort Gibson was built there prior to the War of 1812 to serve as a strategic post in case of attack.

This illustrated history of the Erie Canal begins with the original idea to its impact after its completion.

Who were the first settlers in New York? Where should you "stop and smell the lilacs?" Who was Solomon Northup? Aren't sure about the answers to these questions. Use this site to learn some interesting facts about the state of New York.

Learn about how and why skyscrapers were first built, and why they became a major symbol of New York City. This highly interactive site includes video lectures on the development and importance of skyscrapers, a timeline of commercial...

Briefly explores New York history and geography, including a history of Central Park, Chinatown, and the Upper West Side. It also has links to many other related sites.

Features excellent information regarding New York history, famous people, cities, geography, state parks, tourism, and historic sites. A fact sheet of information and a quiz are also available.

Learn unique facts about each American state. You can also read a more in-depth history of each state, watch videos and play a game about all the states.

After studying various background materials, students read "Marco Paul's Travels on the Erie Canal" and participate in writing and discussion activities that will foster understanding of the Erie Canal and its impact on economic and...

The National Humanities Center presents collections of primary resources compatible with the Common Core State Standards - historical documents, literary texts, and works of art - thematically organized with notes and discussion...

After his personal training in Europe, George Balanchine made history in the United States with his innovative contributions to the art of ballet choreography. His story and creation of the NYC Ballet are featured in his biography.

This site is a map/drawing of Fort Orange in 1635, the Dutch settlement which is now New Jersey.

Essay on the fight between Dutch and British colonial powers over New Amsterdam which eventually resulted in British dominance and the renaming of New Netherland to New York.

Learn about the history of Kingston, New York and gain an appreciation for its historical sites as you peruse this thorough site. Learn more about Kingston by checking out the related resources provided on this site as well.

Study the history and timeline of the state of New York including early explorers, Native Americans, colonization, the American Revolution, and the 9-11 attacks on this website.

Find here a collection of links to information about the state of New York. Categories include facts, government, geography, education, people, attractions, history, industry, and miscellaneous.

Essay on the growth and development of towns settled by the Dutch in and around present day New York City. The author provides interesting details about leaders and landmarks.

[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage describes the early history of the Empire State Building in New York City. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies...

In the first few paragraphs of this article read about the first two colonial newspapers published in New York.

Brief biographies of first women from New York who won elective office at the state and national level.

The New York Times Learning Network provides a variety of archived news articles, lesson plans, and resources concerning the issues and events that surfaced from the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Text describes the Battle of Big Sandy Creek through primary and secondary source material. Part of a series on the War of 1812 battleground history sites of New York state. Text accompanied by brief, one minute video.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Housed at the New York State Historical Society, this extensive collection of more than 60,000 documents detailing the political and social history of the United States is searchable and allows students...

Read this speech given by Senator David Bennet Hill of New York at the Democratic Convention in 1896. A key issue in that convention was whether the United States should go back on the gold standard. This speech clearly shows that Hill...

This very complete lesson plan from the New York State Library uses newspaper accounts to give a "you are there" feeling to the discussion of the Railroad Strike of 1877. Included are a history of the strike, student activities,...