Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Robert
Moses
Powerful and
controversial,
as construction
supervisor and
parks commis-
sioner from the
1930s-1950s, Moses (1888-1981)
vastly enlarged and upgraded the
city's recreational areas, but he
also covered the city with high-
ways rather than develop a public
transport system and was
responsible for urban renewal
projects that razed many neigh-
borhoods in favor of high-rises.
Top 10 Dates in New
York History
1626
Peter Minuit buys
Manhattan from the natives.
Beads and trinkets worth
about $24 accomplished this
ultimate real estate deal.
1664
The British take Manhattan
from the Dutch. New Amster-
dam becomes New York.
1789
George Washington is
inaugurated as first president
and takes his oath of office in
Federal Hall. New York serves
as the first U.S. capital.
Donald Trump
“The Donald” (b. 1946), the
flamboyant real estate wheeler-
dealer, has left an indelible mark
on New York. The huge Trump
Place development overlooks the
Hudson River, while the cheap-
est condo in the world's highest
residential building, Trump World
Tower, costs close to $1 million.
1792
New York Stock Exchange
opens; 24 traders sign an
agreement beneath a tree on
Wall Street, and the city
becomes a financial center.
1876
Central Park opens and
the city gains a green center
enjoyed by millions every year.
1886
The Statue of Liberty is
unveiled, becoming the symbol
of freedom for millions of im-
migrants, who form a
“melting pot” of nationalities.
1898
The five boroughs unite to
form New York, the world's
second largest city.
Rudolph Giuliani
Mayor Rudy Giuliani (b. 1944)
is widely credited with reducing
crime, making the city cleaner,
and upgrading quality of life for
most New York citizens during
his tenure, 1993 to 2001. Once
controversial for his strong per-
sonality, and for getting rid of
anyone who disagreed with him,
his leadership following the
attack on the World Trade Center
rallied a stunned city and won
praise at home and abroad.
1931
The Empire State Building
establishes New York as the
world's skyscraper capital.
1952
The city becomes home
to the United Nations
headquarters.
2001
Terrorists use hijacked
planes to destroy the towers
of the World Trade Center.
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