How did the state of New York become so famous?

Answer 1

Here's my two cents: I would say it's New York City that gives the state a lot of its reputation, however, NYC gained a lot from other parts of the state, as I will describe shortly. My understanding of New York City's--more specifically, Manhattan's--initial attraction as a trading center was its enormous natural harbor at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers. That harbor and waterfront gave it an excellent ability to support transatlantic shipping. It was less successful under the Dutch inititally than it was later under the British. I think it was the quality of the management or leadership. The development which really cemented NYC's place as a center of commerce, taking maximum advantage of the harbor, seems to be the building of Erie Canal. It was a breathtaking feat of vision, guts, and engineering, which made NYC the portal for a water route around the Appalachians to the Midwest, and put the rest of New York State on the map. It became the point of entry and departure for ships conducting trade around the world. One historian I have read or heard, suggests that the decision to locate the US Capitol away from NYC--an unusual move, for a country to separate its centers of commerce and politics--allowed NYC to maintain a single focus on business. Again, just my impressions, as a non-historian. Hope it helps a bit.