The Province of New York was a British colony in North America, established in 1664 when the English seized control from the Dutch. It was named after the Duke of York and became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Atlantic coast. The province played a crucial role in the early history of the United States, particularly during the American Revolution. It was the site of important battles and political events, contributing to the eventual independence of the thirteen colonies from British rule. The province later became the state of New York.