History of NYC - 1600s
In the 1620’s, the Dutch settled what would be known as New Amsterdam – a modern european village in a pristine New World. For four decades it endured, until the first Anglo-Dutch war which led to the Netherlands surrendering the colony to Great Britain, eventually leading to the creation of New York in its place.
1626: Purchase of the Island of Mannahatta
A letter written by merchant Peter Schaghen to directors of the Dutch East India Company stated that Manhattan was purchased for 60 guilders worth of trade.
1630: Coat of Arms of New Netherland
Much of the symbolism of New York's Official seal is derived from its Dutch roots in the form of New Amsterdam's Official Coat of Arms.
1650: Fort Amsterdam
Fort Amsterdam circa 1650. Taken from "De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weireld," by Arnoldus Monatanus, Amsterdam
1660: Residence of Jacob Leisler
Illustration of the home of German-born colonist and entrepreneur Jacob Leisler located on "the Strand", or what we know today as Whitehall Street.
1660: Map of New Amsterdam, Manhattan Island
An illustrated map displaying early settlements and boundaries of New Amsterdam - a fledgling town occupied by an increasing amount of Dutch settlers.
1664: Earliest View of New Amsterdam
Earliest known image of New Amsterdam from a copperplate made by Augustyn Heermanns.
1624: The Commercial Beginning of New York
Illustration of merchants trading and felling trees along the New York Harbor.
1643: Massacre of Hoboken Natives
Illustration showing Dutch Colonists attacking indigenous camps on February 25, 1643, killing 120 people, including women and children.
1644: A Treaty With Native Americans
Illustration of Dutch settlers striking up a peace treaty with indigenous communities in order to reduce violence and open up trade.
1644: Posting The Notice of Wall Street
Illustration of a man posting a notice regarding the building of Wall Street on March 31, 1644, rallying local colonists to join together to build a wall to fend off attacks by natives.
1653: Wall Street Palisade
A wall constructed along the city's northernmost boundary, erected back in 1653 between the Hudson and East River to protect the town from marauding tribes.
1647: Arrival of Peter Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam
Illustration of Peter Stuyvesant reaching New Amsterdam after the failure of his predecessor Willem Kieft to build a lasting peace with native communities.
1659: Broad Street Canal
Illustration depicting views of the "Graft", or canal in Broad Street, and the Fish Bridge which once spanned it.
1664: Peter Stuyvesant vs the British
Print shows Peter Stuyvesant with local settlers pleading with him not to open fire on the British who have arrived in warships to claim New Amsterdam for England.
1664: Peter Stuyvesant Surrenders New Amsterdam
Printed illustration shows Dutch soldiers, lead by Director General Peter Stuyvesant, leaving New Amsterdam after ceding it to the English.
