New York became the 11th state on July 26 ,1788.  The governor is George E. Pataki.  New York has about 19 million people.  The state song is '' I Love New York''. New York's capital is Albany.  New York covers 2000 square miles!  The highest point is Mt. Mimrey.

    Uncle Sam, the national symbol of the U.S., originated in Troy, New York. Samuel Wilson had a meat packing business in Troy when the War of 1812 broke out.  Sometimes people would ask him what U.S. means.  He and his friends would joke around and say that it meant Uncle Sam.  Now it is a national symbol.

    Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27, 1858.  He took office as Vice President of the United States at the age of 42.  He had only served in this position for six months when President McKinley was assassinated and died in September 1901.