Question: who founded new york and why did they come

title: History of New York (state)
text: Immigration increased throughout the latter half of the 19th century . Starting with refugees from the Irish potato famine in the 1840s , New York became a prominent entry point for those seeking a new life in the United States . Between 1855 and 1890 , an estimated 8 million immigrants passed through Castle Clinton at Battery Park in Manhattan . Early in this period , most immigrants came from Ireland and Germany . Ellis Island opened in 1892 , and between 1880 and 1920 , most immigrants were German and Eastern European Jews , Poles , and other eastern and southern Europeans , including many Italians . By 1925 , New York City 's population outnumbered that of London , making it the most populous city in the world . Arguably New York 's most identifiable symbol , Liberty Enlightening the World ( the Statue of Liberty ) , a gift from France for the American centennial , was completed in 1886 . By the early 20th century , the statue was regarded as the `` Mother of Exiles '' -- a symbol of hope to immigrants .