New Amsterdam Becomes A City And Holds A Parade

[EE Broadway Local]

This possibly was the first parade on the Canyon Of Heroes:

 

On February 2, 1653:

 

"New Amsterdam receives a charter for a municipal form of government, transforming the colony into the first city in North America. Ever the politician, Mr. Peter Stuyvesant leads a parade down Broadway to celebrate the reform, even though it's aimed at curbing his tight rule."

 

As a city, New Amsterdam would be reincorporated in June 1665 by the British as New York City and Knickerbockers would become New Yorkers.

 

Source: NY 1 Today In New York City History February 2d