To visit New York is to soak up the ambiance of a modern world-class metropolis. The city's history mirrors the history of the nation; every visitor can relate to it. To savor the full experience, read up on the events that contributed to the city's growth as one of the most financially, architecturally, and culturally significant places in the world. Many of the sights you will visit are part of the city's rich history; others are named for famous explorers, settlers, governors, and statesmen who helped define what the city became.