15 Surprising Firsts That New Yorkers Can Proudly Claim

You may know that New York is first in your heart, but did you know that it was first in several other accomplishments? The Empire State has a long history of innovation – from the first pet cemetery in the U.S. to groundbreaking inventions and milestones. Let's take a look at some things invented in New York you may not have heard about.

1. New York City: America’s Very First Capital in 1785

The U.S. Constitution named New York City as the first capital. Congress and the Supreme Court's very first sittings were in Federal Hall on Wall Street – then called Old City Hall. George Washington was also inaugurated as President there.

Sadly, NYC's role as a capital was short-lived. The honor was transferred to Philadelphia in 1790 due to fears that the high society in New York was too aristocratic and financially oriented.

2. The Clermont Made the First Successful Steamboat Voyage (1807)

As the world's first steamboat, it's no exaggeration to say that the Clermont changed the course of transportation. The ship operated on the Hudson River (then often called the North River) between New York City and Albany. The first voyage's average speed was around 5 miles per hour. Today, the Clermont is commemorated in New York with historical markers along the Hudson River.

3. New York Hosted the First American Chess Tournament in 1843

The first modern chess tournament was held in England in 1841, and shortly thereafter, chess became an international phenomenon. The first American tournament was a local match held in New York in 1843. By 1857, America was hosting American Chess Congress competitions to determine national champions.

4. The First Women’s Rights Convention Was Held in Seneca Falls in 1848

The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women's rights convention in the United States. It sparked a flurry of other women's rights conventions that took place in the years that followed. The meeting discussed the prospect of women gaining the right to vote and the role of women in society. Read some more about why Seneca Falls in New York is an outstanding day trip destination.

5. Belva Lockwood: First Woman to Argue Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Belva Lockwood was a proponent of women's suffrage who was one of the first women to graduate from law school. She was the first female attorney to practice before the Supreme Court and was also the first woman to run for President (1884, 1888).

6. Niagara Falls Became America’s First Official State Park (1885)

Prior to Niagara Falls being obtained by the state, the land's ownership was private, and there was little public access to the area. Thankfully, that all changed when the Niagara Reservation was named a state park. Check out this article about why Niagara Falls is the best state park.

7. Toilet Paper Was First Invented Right Here in New York City

Other substances had been used for bathroom wiping for centuries, but it was not until 1857 that modern, commercially available toilet paper was invented. It was initially sold in sheets with the inventor's name printed on them!

New York was the first to do what? Yes, toilet paper. Prepare to be razzled and dazzled by the history of toilet paper in this video from History of Stuff:

8. The Teddy Bear Was Born in Brooklyn in 1902

The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt. He was involved in an incident in which he refused to kill an American black bear that had been captured and tied to a tree. The occurrence was popularized in political cartoons, and a New York candy maker was inspired to create a stuffed bear named after Roosevelt. The bears were immediately popular, and the inventor's newly-found toy company ended up being a huge success.

9. America’s First Roller Coaster Debuted at Coney Island in 1884

The first roller coaster in America was a wooden switchback railway that operated at a speed of about 6 miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. Don't forget to check out this read about the Coney Island historic project.

10. Brooklyn Opened America’s First Children’s Museum in 1899

The museum was established to educate urban children about natural science. Today, children are heavily involved in planning out new exhibits there!

11. The First 3D Movie Premiered at NYC’s Astor Theater

The first 3D film shown to a paying audience was played at the Astor Theater in 1915. The event was a complicated affair involving optical illusions and figures projected from the stage wings.

12. Lombardi’s Became America’s First Pizzeria in 1905

Lombardi's Pizza was the first pizzeria in America in 1905. The business was started as a grocery store that sold tomato pies wrapped in paper.

13. America’s First Public Brewery Opened in Lower Manhattan in 1633

Peter Minuit Brewery only survived for about five years, but it was reportedly the first public brewery in America. It was located in lower Manhattan.

14. Bill Richmond Became America’s First International Sports Star (1763)

Bill Richmond was born into slavery in New York. During the Revolutionary War, a British commander was impressed with Richmond's performance in a barroom brawl and arranged for his release. He was transported to England, where he was educated and began boxing in his 40s. He proved an immense success, winning 17 of his 19 matches.

15. New York Became the First State to Require Vehicle License Plates (1901)

The state did not make the first license plates; instead, they were crafted by the car's owners (typically on leather or iron). They were printed with the owner's initials and designed not to note ownership.

Did you know that New York was the first to accomplish these things? Of all of the first things New York participated in, which one surprised you the most? Be sure to tell us about any other New York firsts you've discovered through this nomination form.

And don't forget to plan your own New York adventure with our Only In Your State itinerary planner and explore these historic firsts firsthand!