New York City Waterfront
by Bruce Bley
Title
New York City Waterfront
Artist
Bruce Bley
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
New York City was a European settlement that began on September 3, 1609, when the Englishman Henry Hudson, in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, sailed the Half Moon through The Narrows into Upper New York Bay. Like Christopher Columbus, Hudson was looking for a westerly passage to Asia. He never found one, but he did take note of the abundant beaver population. Beaver pelts were in fashion in Europe, fueling a lucrative business. Hudson's report on the regional beaver population served as the impetus for the founding of Dutch trading colonies in the New World, among them New Amsterdam, which would become New York City. The beaver's importance in New York City's history is reflected by its use on the city's official seal.
The Dutch West Indies Company transported African slaves to the post as trading laborers. By the late 17th century, 40% of the settlers were African slaves. They helped build the fort and stockade, and some gained freedom under the Dutch. After the English took over the colony and city they called New York in 1664, they continued to import slaves from Africa and the Caribbean. In 1703, 42% of the New York households had slaves; they served as domestic servants and laborers but also became involved in skilled trades, shipping and other fields. By the 1770s slaves made up less than 25% of the city's population. A center of revolutionary activity, the Sons of Liberty harassed British authority in the city, and the Stamp Act Congress of representatives from throughout the Thirteen Colonies met in the city in 1765 to organize resistance to British policies. The city's strategic location and status as a major seaport made it the prime target for British seizure in 1776. General George Washington lost a series of battles from which he narrowly escaped (with the notable exception of the Battle of Harlem Heights, his first victory of the war), and the British Army controlled New York City and made it their base on the continent until late 1783, attracting Loyalist refugees. The city served as the national capital under the Articles of Confederation from 1785-1789, and briefly served as the new nation's capital in 178990 under the United States Constitution that replaced it. Under the new government the city hosted the inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States, the drafting of the United States Bill of Rights, and the first Supreme Court of the United States. The opening of the Erie Canal gave excellent steamboat connections with upstate New York and the Great Lakes, along with coastal traffic to lower New England, making the city the preeminent port on the Atlantic Ocean. The arrival of rail connections to the north and west in the 1840s and 1850s strengthened its central role.
Beginning in the mid-19th century, waves of new immigrants arrived from Europe, dramatically changing the composition of the city and serving as workers in the expanding industries. Modern New York City traces its development to the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898 and an economic and building boom following the Great Depression and World War II. Throughout its history, New York City has served as a main port of entry for many immigrants, and its cultural and economic influence has made it one of the most important urban areas in the United States and the world
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September 8th, 2014
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Comments (30)
Johanna Hurmerinta
Wonderful pow, view and colors! LF
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind and gracious comment, Johanna. I sincerely appreciate it.
Brian Tarr
Wonderful capture Bruce, an iconic view, L/F
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind and gracious comment, Brian. I appreciate it and thank you for the L.
Tracey Vivar
Very cool shot. Still getting used to the new skyline from when I lived there. Great shot of the BLYN Bridge too.
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind comment, Tracey. This was the first time I ever visited NY. I had a wonderful time and hope to return someday.
Hanne Lore Koehler
Fantastic capture of New York City Waterfront, Bruce!!! Magnificent atmosphere and composition of this beautiful skyline shot! L/F/T/FB
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment and promotions, Hanne. I sincerely appreciate it. It means a lot to me.
Darlene Kwiatkowski
Beautiful details - Exceptional clarity!! fv :))
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment and v, Darlene. I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Bill, I sincerely appreciate the feature in the group "The American Landscape". Thank you for the nice honor.
Reid Callaway
Worthy Of Praise!......You have a stunning set of images within your galleries!.....L/F...........Carry On!
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment on my galleries, Reid, I sincerely appreciate it and thank you for the L.
Bruce Bley
Karen, I sincerely appreciate the feature in the group "Nature Landmarks Landscapes Wildlife". Thank you so much for the honor.
Bruce Bley
Thank you for the feature in the group "ALL Fine Art America Artwork", Nadine and Bob. I truly appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Denyse, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Amazing FAA Photographers". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Pamela, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "3 A Day Waiting Room ART". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Dora, I truly appreciate the feature in the group "New York Sunsets Sunrises And Landscapes". Thank you for the honor and your support.