New York's official state motto is "Excelsior" (ever upward) representing the continuouis search for excellence and belief in a strong, bright and ever better future. New York played a pivotal role during the American Revolution. The Stamp Act Congress in 1765 brought together representatives from across the Thirteen Colonies to form a unified response to British policies. The Sons of Liberty were active in New York City to challenge British authority. After a major loss at the Battle of Long Island, the Continental Army suffered a series of additional defeats that forced a retreat from the New York City area, leaving the strategic port and harbor to the British army and navy as their North American base of operations for the rest of the war. The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point of the war in favor of the Americans, convincing France to formally ally with them. New York's constitution was adopted in 1777, and strongly influenced the United States Constitution. New York City was the national capital at various times between 1785 and 1790, where the Bill of Rights was drafted. In 1787, New York became the eleventh state to ratify the United States Constitution.
This cache was placed for the "Run Wild in the Park" event on 5/7/22.