Vhalen takes a few minutes to share some of the history behind Qeynos and New Dawn Day on the forums. He says:

... A band of humans made its way through the gnoll infested hills and founded a small fishing village alongside the northern Coldwind Coast shoreline. The shores of the new coastal village were teeming with fish and the land could be easily defended from attack. If most of the resources were put towards the defense, this large village could provide for the scattered human settlements of the plains.

Read his entire enlightening post here.

Also, he lists the last ten rulers of Qeynos so know your monarchs! Find it here.