Following the explorations of Champlain and Hudson in 1609, permanent settlement began in the Hudson Valley in 1624. Dutch rule was displaced in 1664 by the English, who named New York after the King's brother, the Duke of York and Albany. Conflict between England and France over posts in western and northern New York ended in 1763. The American Revolution then brought war to all parts of the state, and the decisive battle of the Revolution was fought at Saratoga (Schuylerville) in 1777. New York was one of the thirteen original states and adopted its constitution in 1777. George Washington called it "the seat of the Empire," and New York City became the first capital of the United States. The state held a pivotal place in national politics, with numerous New Yorkers serving as president and in other high offices. Its varied natural resources, immigration-expanded population, and unsurpassed transportation routes helped make it a leader in agriculture, industry, finance, and the arts while spurring both its own development and the growth of the nation. New Yorkers continue to add significant chapters to the history of the Empire State, fulfilling its motto of Excelsior, "ever upward."