Achieving independence as the United States of America was a lengthy and unlikely struggle for the 13 original colonies. Over ...

They established the colony of New Amsterdam on the island of Manhattan. When the British took control of the area in 1664, they renamed it New York, and it became one of the original 13 colonies.

1741: Fires break out in New York City, which has the second-largest urban population of blacks. Numerous blacks are accused and executed in a witch-hunt atmosphere.