In 1664, Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to British, who renamed it New York, over 360 years later home to Wall Street plays the most important role as U.S. celebrates 250th anniversary of America's declaration of independence from British rule

New York's strategic location was one reason control of the settlement mattered so greatly. Its harbor offered exceptional opportunities for commerce, while its position connected Atlantic shipping with inland trade routes. The English recognized that controlling New York meant gaining an important economic and geographic foothold in North America.