The Famous New Yorkers ClipArt gallery includes 70 portraits of people who had an impact on the history of the Empire State.

(1606-1654) Director general of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam.

Wouter Van Twiller

(1606-1654) Director general of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam.

"Cornelius Vanderbilt was involved in the New York Central Station."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

Cornelius Vanderbilt

"Cornelius Vanderbilt was involved in the New York Central Station."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

Known as the Commodore Vanderbilt and director of the Long Island Rail Road.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Known as the Commodore Vanderbilt and director of the Long Island Rail Road.

A capitalist and philanthropist, born near Stapleton, Staten Island, New York, May 27, 1794; died in New York City, Jan. 4, 1877.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

A capitalist and philanthropist, born near Stapleton, Staten Island, New York, May 27, 1794; died in…

George Edwin Waring was born in Poundridge, NY, July 4, 1833. He was agricultural engineer of Central Park, New York City in 1857. He was the drainage engineer of the park until the Civil War broke out, when he entered the Union army as major of the 39th New York Volunteers, and later served as colonel of the 4th Missouri Cavalry, till its close. After the epidemic of yellow fever in Memphis in 1878, he changed the sewerage system of the city on an original plan, which was adopted in many cities of the United States.

George Edwin Waring

George Edwin Waring was born in Poundridge, NY, July 4, 1833. He was agricultural engineer of Central…

William Almon Wheeler (June 30, 1819 – June 4, 1887) was a Representative from New York and the nineteenth Vice President of the United States. When Congress voted a pay raise in 1873 and made it retroactive for five years, Wheeler not only voted against the raise, but returned his salary adjustment to the Treasury department. Governor Hayes, when he heard of what had happened, remarked: "I am ashamed to say: Who is Wheeler?" Not having done much campaigning, Wheeler didn't participate in the firestorm that took place after the election results were in November 1876.

William Almon Wheeler

William Almon Wheeler (June 30, 1819 – June 4, 1887) was a Representative from New York and the nineteenth…

(1740-1830) Elected mayor of New York City in 1807.

Colonel Marinus Willett

(1740-1830) Elected mayor of New York City in 1807.

Marinus Willett (July 31, 1740 – August 22, 1830) was an American soldier and political leader from New York. He was characterized by historian Mark M. Boatner as "one of the truly outstanding American leaders of the Revolution." Marinus Willett served in the militia during the French and Indian War. He received a commission as 2nd lieutenant in a New York regiment under the command of Oliver DeLancey Sr. which took part in General James Abercrombie's expedition to Fort Ticonderoga in 1758. During the early stages of the American Revolution, Willett became an informal leader of the Sons of Liberty in New York City.

Marinus Willett

Marinus Willett (July 31, 1740 – August 22, 1830) was an American soldier and political leader from…

Fernando Wood (June 14, 1812 – February 14, 1881) is famous for being one of the most colorful mayors in the history of New York. He was chairman of the chief young men's political organization in 1839 and was a member of the Tammany Society, which he used as a vehicle for his political rise. Wood served as Mayor of New York from 1855 to 1862. During this time a police feud developed between the New York Municipal Police and the Metropolitan Police Force. This feud led to increased gang activity due to the police rivaling one another rather than upholding the law. Wood was one of many New York Democrats sympathetic to the Confederacy, called 'Copperheads' by the staunch Unionists. In January 1861, Wood suggested to the City Council that New York secede and declare itself a free city.

Fernando Wood

Fernando Wood (June 14, 1812 – February 14, 1881) is famous for being one of the most colorful mayors…

Stewart Lyndon Woodford (September 3, 1835 – February 14, 1913) was an American politician. He studied law and began practice in New York in 1857. In 1861–62, Stewart was made assistant United States district attorney for the southern district of New York. He served in the National army from 1862 to 1865 and received the brevet of brigadier general of volunteers. From 1865 to 1868 he served as Lieutenant Governor of New York.

Stewart Lyndon Woodford

Stewart Lyndon Woodford (September 3, 1835 – February 14, 1913) was an American politician. He studied…