Sixteen readings, intended for fifth grade students, describe New York City from 1628 through 1845. Arranged chronologically, the readings, many of which are secondary materials, show changes and development within the city from its beginning in 1628 as a farming community called New Amsterdam to its growth as a commercial city by 1845. Topics are related to how many made his living in farming, fruit growing, ranching, business, and labor, and to the changes occurring from growth. A description is given of life itself in the city--streets, hotels, houses, disasters, inventions, travel, sanitary conditions, water supply, commercial activity, and other aspects. (SJM)