One significant yet challenging element of studying New York State is the centrality of its history to the broader sweep of American life. This prominence leaves many episodes in New Yorks past well-known and intensely studied. One significant yet challenging element of studying New York State is the centrality of its history to the broader sweep of American life. This prominence leaves many episodes in New Yorks past well-known and intensely studied. One significant yet challenging element of studying New York State is the centrality of its history to the broader sweep of American life. This prominence leaves many episodes in New Yorks past well-known and intensely studied