What was the city of York before New York? To answer this question, one must go back in time to when the American colonies were just beginning to take form. York was one of the first five cities in the original Thirteen Colonies and dates back to the 1600s. When many people think of York, they think of New York City. However, it should be known that New York was actually named after York. This article will take a look at what the original city of York was before it became New York and the different times in its history that it changed names and locations.
York Before 1600
Nothing is known about the original York before the 1600s when it was founded. Before the Europeans arrived, much of what was the Thirteen Colonies was inhabited by various Native American tribes.
York’s History in the 1600s
In the 1600s, the city of York was founded by the English as part of their colonies in America. York was one of the first five cities in the original Thirteen Colonies, which are:
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
- York
In 1664, the English colony of York was taken over and named New York after the then-Duke of York- which was later King James II- and Duke of York’s older brother, Charles II.
York in the 1700s and into the 1800s
Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, the city of York continued to be known as New York City, though at times a part of the city was called York Village. During the Revolutionary War, the state of New York was a key battleground and the British held the city of New York for much of that war.
York in the 1900s
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of York was continuing to be known as New York, but a suburb of the city was given the name of Yorktown. This suburb was located in Westchester County, just north of New York City. Since then, various districts, townships, and towns in New York have been named York, including portions of the Bronx, Westchester County, and even upstate New York in the Albany area. As of today, there is a broad range of different places in New York with names associated with the former city of York.
Legacy of York
Though the original city of York no longer exists, the legacy of the city still lives on. The city is still referred to as York by many, such as in historical writings, and it’s influence is still felt in different places such as in the names of some of the locations that bear its legacy.
Historically, York was a vital part of the original Thirteen Colonies, and it has left its mark on the history of the country. It’s no wonder that the city of New York was named after it. Its impact on the founding of America and its lasting legacy can still be felt today.
