The colonies were initially self-sufficient because they produced all their own food and other essentials. However, as time went on, colonists realized that they needed trade with other countries in order to survive. This led to colonists receiving income from other countries through trade and taxes. The trade with England increased because England had access to many resources that were not available in New York Colony. This trade brought many benefits to New York Colony because it was able to produce products that were not available in England. The first person who lived in New York was Giovanni da Verrazzano who arrived in 1524. His journey was financed by Henry VII of England. Henry VII had visited Verrazzano’s homeland and decided that Verrazzano would help him in his explorations of North America. He hired Verrazzano as his official navigator and sent him on his way to New York Colony.