Earl of Bellomont, Richard Coote (1636-1701) was colonial governor of New York from 1698 to 1701. Irish-born Coote was also governor of Massachuesetts and New Hampshire. Cooted died in 1701 and replaced temporarily by John Nanfan as acting governor until the arrival of Viscount Cornbury in 1702. State nickname: The Empire State Official languages English Capital Albany Largest city New York City Governor George Pataki (R) Senators Charles Schumer (D) Hillary Clinton (D) Area - Total - % water Ranked 27th 141,205 km² 13. ... Events January 4 - Palace of Whitehall in London is destroyed by fire. ... Events January 18 - Frederick I becomes King of Prussia. ... Events January 18 - Frederick I becomes King of Prussia. ... Events March 8 - William III died; Princess Anne Stuart becomes Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland. ...