Albany, New York was originally inhabited by the Mohican tribe before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The city was officially founded in 1614 by Dutch fur traders and named Fort Orange. It quickly became a key trading post for the Dutch West India Company, attracting settlers from the Netherlands and other European countries. In 1664, the English captured Albany and renamed it Albany in honor of the Duke of Albany, who would later become King James II of England. The city played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as the meeting place for the Albany Congress in 1754 and the location of the Albany Plan of Union, a precursor to the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Albany experienced significant growth and development, becoming a center of commerce, industry, and government in upstate New York. Today, Albany is known for its rich history, cultural institutions, and vibrant community.