New York City - British Rule and American Independence

British Rule and American Independence

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This timeline covers the transition from Dutch to British rule and the city's role during the American Revolution and early independence.

British Takeover

1664

Peter Stuyvesant ceded New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York after James, Duke of York.

First Mayor

1665

Thomas Willett was appointed as the city's first mayor.

Dutch Recapture and Final Cession

1673-1674

The Dutch briefly recaptured New York, renaming it 'New Orange,' before ceding it permanently to England under the Treaty of Westminster in 1674.

National Capital

1785-1790

Following independence from Great Britain, New York City served as the national capital of the United States.

Federalist Papers

1787

The Federalist Papers began publication, and the New-York African Free-School was founded.