The Most Important New York History Facts You Should Know
Elmira | 07 - 03 - 2025
Updated: March 7, 2025 9:00 pm IST
Want to test how strong your history knowledge is? Take our engaging and informative New York history trivia. You will learn historical facts about NY that include the Dutch settlement, General Tso’s Chicken, the Statue of Liberty, the City of New Amsterdam, and many more. Prove that you are well-versed in history by participating in our NY Trivia quiz.
1. Who Surrendered New Amsterdam to the British?
On September 8, 1664, Dutch Governor, Peter Stuyvesant, surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, which was the capital of New Netherland.
2. In What Year Did the New York Subway Begin Operating?
The New York Subway was inaugurated on October 27, 1904, in Manhattan. Nearly 8000 employees contributed to building the subway.
3. Who Is the Only U.S. President Buried in New York City?
Ulysses S. Grant is the only U.S. President buried in New York City. Ulysses S. Grant’s tomb is located in the General Grant National Memorial. The 18th President’s tomb is an artistic, Neoclassical structure. His epitaph, ‘Let us have peace,’ is engraved on the tomb.
4. The NYC Subway System Started Its First Voyage from Which NYC Landmark?
The first New York City Subway voyage began at the City Hall Station in Manhattan. Later, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company started operating wooden cars.
5. Who Controlled New York before the British?
The Dutch controlled NYC and started setting up the area at the beginning of the 17th century, establishing the colony of New Amsterdam in 1624 Period.
6. Which Iconic NYC Building Was Established in 1931?
The Empire State Building is known as an Art Deco masterpiece. It has become New York City’s famous landmark and has a steel-framed skyscraper growing 102 stories.
7. When Did the First African Slaves Arrive in the NYC Area?
In 1626, the first African slaves arrived and settled in New York City during the Dutch settlement. Eleven African men and three women had arrived.
8. When Was General Tso’s Chicken Introduced in New York?
General Tso’s Chicken was introduced in NYC during the 1970s. The original General Tso's chicken was Hunanese in taste and made without sugar.
9. How Many Years Did It Take to Complete the Statue of Liberty?
It took nine years to complete the iconic structure of the Statue of Liberty. When it was completed in 1885, the statue was disassembled into 350 pieces, shipped to New York City, and reassembled.
10. What Was the Primary Purpose of the Construction of the Erie Canal, Which Opened in 1825?
The primary purpose of the Erie Canal was to increase the mobility of people and goods and to facilitate the migration of people from the 13 original states to the Midwest.
11. In What Year Did the Empire State Building Officially Open?
The Empire State Building is a 102-story[c] Art Deco skyscraper in the Midtown South neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, and built from 1930 to 1931.
12. Where Did Malcolm X Die?
The African American nationalist and religious leader, Malcolm X, was assassinated on February 21, 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, New York City.
13. Who Conquered New Amsterdam?
The British took over New Amsterdam on September 8th, 1664, and renamed it New York City. This name was given to honor the Duke of York (later James II & VII.)
14. What Happened at Stonewall Inn in 1969?
Stonewall Inn caught fire on June 28, 1969. It was a gay bar located in New York City.
15. Who Designed the Statue of Liberty?
French sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, supported de Laboulaye's idea and started designing the Statue of Liberty in 1870.
