New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the United States with over 8.3 million people. Built on a long harbor on the Atlantic coast of New York State in the Northeastern United States, New York City is made up of five boroughs including The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. New York City is known as one of the world’s global leaders in commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment. A notable example is the presence of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in Lower Manhattan and large presence of the Empire State Building.

Early New York City

Founded as a trading post by the Dutch, New York City was originally known as New Amsterdam. The current name of New York was given to the area after the British conquered it in 1664. The name comes from the English Duke of York and Albany. New York City grew as a trading post for the British leading to its importance during the American Revolutionary War as the British base of operations. Many battles took place in or near New York City including the Battle of Fort Washington. The British occupied New York City until 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed ending the war. After the American Revolutionary War, the Congress of the Confederation met multiple times in New York City. In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City. As well, the United States Congress met for the first time and drafted the United States Bill of Rights in 1789 at New York City’s Federal Hall.

New York City Growth and Immigration

New York City grew during the 19th Century with immigration and the opening of the Erie Canal to agricultural ports west the Great Lakes. In 1857, New York City’s Central Park was established as the first American landscaped park. In 1898, New York City took its modern form with the addition of Brooklyn, and the counties of New York, Richmond, and Queens. In 1904, the New York City subway system help transform New York City into a world center for industry, commerce, and communication.

New York City is known for being a center of immigration to the United States. The Castle Garden Immigration Depot in Manhattan processed incoming immigrants into the United States from 1855 until 1890. Ellis Island replaced Castle Garden in 1892 and remained the primary entry facility for immigrants into the United States until 1954. New York City’s nearby Statue of Liberty welcomed these newly arrived settlers. Similarly, although many African Americans lived in New York City during the 1800s, many moved from the southern United States to New York City during the Great Migration of the 1920s making New York City their home.

New York City expanded during the 19th Century with economic development and expansion including new housing projects and construction of huge commercial skyscrapers. This expansion continued until the 1960s and 1970s when economic, crime and racial tensions negatively affected New York City’s livability. During the 1980s, the financial industry improved New York City’s health and by the 1990s, racial tensions had calmed, as well, crime rates dropped. These improvements sparked immigration to New York City from Asia and Latin America. The effect of immigration throughout the years can be seen in the diverse culture of New York City. For example in 2005, it was estimated that 170 languages are spoken in New York City, with 36% of its population born outside the United States.

Modern New York City Economy and Industry

Sadly in 2001, New York City’s then tallest buildings, the World Trade Center’s twin towers, were attacked by terrorists leading to their collapse and the death of over 2,750 individuals. Despite these attacks, New York City is home to a thriving economy including headquarters to many major corporations. New York City has some of the nation’s most valuable real estate. New York City has the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the United States. Many industries thrive in New York City including television and film, high-tech, medical research and technology, non-profit institutions, and universities. About one-third of New York City’s employment comes from financial services. Manufacturing employs a large share of New York City workers. Manufacturing industries include garment making, metal products, processed foods, and furniture.

New York City Asbestos and Mesothelioma Legal Services

Considering New York City’s long history and economic development and prominence, it is not surprising that environmental hazards have negatively impacted New York City residents. For example, many lawsuits have been filed over the years by New York City mesothelioma lawyers as a result of the negative health effects found in individuals exposed to asbestos. As a result, many of the nation’s best legal firms reside in New York City. New York City asbestos attorneys provide the nation’s best legal services for the negative health effects of asbestos and mesothelioma.

Seeger Weiss LLP is a nationally recognized leader in professional litigation. Seeger Weiss LLP’s New York City mesothelioma attorneys are skilled in providing successful legal representation compensating victims of asbestos and mesothelioma. No matter where you live in the United States, if you are victim of asbestos and mesothelioma, please contact Seeger Weiss LLP’s New York City asbestos lawyers for a free case evaluation.