New York: Middle Colony
by: Cydnie W
Background
New York was originally settled by people from the Netherlands.The Netherlands (often called Holland) is a country in Northern Europe. It's called the Dutch.The Ducth came to the colony to set up fur-trading posts.The British ,however,wanted this land so that English settlers in New England could move westward.In 1664,the British captured the colony.The king gave land to his brother,the Duke of York.
Geography
New York Harbor was ideal for shipping and trade.The valleys of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers were well suited to farming and trade.Iron, a useful mineral, was available to be mined (dug out of the ground).
Economy and Goverment
New York's economy offered good jobs for some people but also used unpaid work of others.Farmers grew wheat,corn,vegetables,and tobacco.