New York: The Empire State

Introduction

New York is one of the most exciting and influential states in the United States. Known as “The Empire State,” it is famous for New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and its impact on finance, entertainment, immigration, and innovation. But New York is more than just a city—it's also home to mountains, farmland, lakes, and small towns with rich history and culture. It’s a state of great diversity, both in people and in places.

Quick Fact Box

• State Name: New York
• Nickname: The Empire State
• Capital: Albany
• Largest City: New York City
• Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11th state)
• Population: About 19.8 million
• State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
• State Flower: Rose
• State Tree: Sugar Maple
• State Motto: “Excelsior” (Ever upward)
• Major Industries: Finance, tourism, media, agriculture, technology

Where in the USA is New York?

New York is in the Northeastern United States, bordering Canada, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It also borders Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

The state is divided into several regions:

• New York City – America’s largest city, full of skyscrapers and culture
• Hudson Valley – Known for its riverside towns and history
• Adirondack Mountains – A large wilderness area in the north
• Finger Lakes – A scenic region with long lakes, wineries, and waterfalls
• Western New York – Includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls

Landmarks and Attractions

New York is home to some of the most iconic places in the world:

• Statue of Liberty – A symbol of freedom on Liberty Island
• Times Square – A bright and busy intersection in New York City
• Empire State Building – One of the tallest and most famous buildings
• Central Park – A huge green park in the middle of NYC
• Niagara Falls – Powerful waterfalls on the U.S.–Canada border
• Adirondack Park – The largest state park in the U.S.
• Erie Canal – A historic water route connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes

You can also visit famous museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

State Symbols & Emblems

New York’s state bird is the Eastern Bluebird, its state flower the Rose, and the Sugar Maple is the state tree, known for producing maple syrup in the northern parts of the state.

The state motto, “Excelsior,” means “ever upward” in Latin, showing the state’s spirit of reaching higher.

People, Culture & Economy

New York is one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation. It’s home to people from nearly every country on Earth, especially in New York City, where over 800 languages are spoken.

New York’s economy is one of the strongest in the world and includes:

• Finance – Wall Street in NYC is the center of the U.S. economy
• Media and Publishing – Many newspapers, book publishers, and TV studios are based here
• Tourism – Millions visit each year for sightseeing and entertainment
• Technology – Growing in cities like Rochester and Albany
• Agriculture – Apples, dairy, and wine are major products in upstate New York

The state is also known for its influence in fashion, music, theater, and higher education (home to Cornell, Columbia, NYU, and more).

Famous People from New York

• Franklin D. Roosevelt – 32nd U.S. President, from Hyde Park
• Theodore Roosevelt – 26th U.S. President, born in New York City
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Supreme Court Justice, from Brooklyn
• Alicia Keys – Singer and musician, from New York City
• Robert De Niro – Actor, from Manhattan
• Jennifer Lopez – Singer and actress, from the Bronx
• Billy Joel – Musician, from Long Island
• Lin-Manuel Miranda – Composer of Hamilton, from NYC

Climate, Ecosystems & Conservation

New York has a varied climate. The southeast, including New York City, has hot summers and mild winters, while the north and west have cold, snowy winters and warm summers.

Ecosystems in New York include:

• Mountains and forests – In the Adirondacks and Catskills
• Wetlands and rivers – Along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers
• Urban environments – Parks and green spaces in big cities
• Great Lakes ecosystems – Near Buffalo and Rochester

The state works to conserve natural resources, especially water and forests, and protect wildlife like black bears, deer, beavers, and peregrine falcons.

Government, Education & Everyday Life

New York’s government has a governor, state legislature, and state courts, with the capital in Albany. Local governments run the cities, towns, and counties.

New York has some of the best schools and colleges in the world. Students attend both public and private schools, and many go on to top universities.

Daily life varies greatly depending on where you live. People in New York City may ride subways and go to museums or concerts, while people in upstate New York enjoy skiing, hiking, and small-town life.

Fun Facts

• The first pizza restaurant in the U.S. opened in New York City in 1905.
• More people live in NYC than in 39 other U.S. states.
• Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.
• Niagara Falls can fill 50 Olympic swimming pools every minute.
• The New York Subway is one of the largest in the world, with over 470 stations.
• The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886.
• The Erie Canal helped New York become a shipping and trading leader.

Vocabulary Words

1. Diverse – Having many different types of people or things
2. Finance – The management of money, banking, and investments
3. Immigration – The act of coming to live in a new country
4. Landmark – A famous or important place
5. Ecosystem – A natural environment where plants and animals live together
6. Urban – Having to do with a city
7. Canal – A man-made waterway used for boats or irrigation
8. Motto – A phrase that expresses a belief or ideal
9. Theater – A place for live performances, especially plays and musicals
10. Conservation – Protecting nature and the environment

Kid-Friendly Summary

New York is an amazing state filled with big cities, tall buildings, peaceful lakes, and snowy mountains! Whether you're exploring Central Park, taking a boat to the Statue of Liberty, or hiking in the Adirondacks, there’s always something exciting to do. From world leaders to movie stars, New York has helped shape the world—and it’s a great place to learn, live, and explore!

Quiz: Test Your New York Knowledge!

    What is New York’s nickname?
    a) The Sunshine State
    b) The Garden State
    c) The Empire State
    d) The Keystone State

    What is the capital of New York?
    a) New York City
    b) Buffalo
    c) Albany
    d) Rochester

    What huge statue stands in New York Harbor?
    a) Lincoln Memorial
    b) Statue of Liberty
    c) Mount Rushmore
    d) Eiffel Tower

    What famous waterfall is in western New York?
    a) Victoria Falls
    b) Yellowstone Falls
    c) Niagara Falls
    d) Multnomah Falls

    What city has over 8 million residents?
    a) Los Angeles
    b) Chicago
    c) Houston
    d) New York City

    What is New York’s state bird?
    a) Blue Jay
    b) Robin
    c) Eastern Bluebird
    d) Cardinal

    What does “Excelsior” mean?
    a) Always downward
    b) Ever upward
    c) Stay strong
    d) Shine bright

    What natural region is in northern New York?
    a) Great Basin
    b) Adirondack Mountains
    c) Mojave Desert
    d) Rocky Mountains

    What kind of syrup is made from New York’s state tree?
    a) Chocolate
    b) Apple
    c) Maple
    d) Honey

    Who was a famous singer from Hoboken, New Jersey but made his career in NYC?
    a) Elvis Presley
    b) Bruce Springsteen
    c) Frank Sinatra
    d) Taylor Swift