History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge. The project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating past. We restore vintage photographs and prints that document the City's history and heritage. We also research the natural forces that shaped the environment, along with the people who formed the landscape and culture.
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.
Artist Credit: Alfred Fredericks. Reprinted with permission. Wikimedia Commons
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.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1650: Fort Amsterdam
Fort Amsterdam circa 1650. Taken from "De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weireld," by Arnoldus Monatanus, Amsterdam
Artist Credit: Arnoldus Monatanus. Reprinted with permission. Wikimedia Commons
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.
Artist Credit: NYPL Wallach Division. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Alfred Fredericks. Reprinted with permission.
1664: Earliest View of New Amsterdam
Earliest known image of New Amsterdam from a copperplate made by Augustyn Heermanns.
Artist Credit: Augustyn Heermanns. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1624: The Commercial Beginning of New York
Illustration of merchants trading and felling trees along the New York Harbor.
Artist Credit: Carl Emil Doepler. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1643: Massacre of Hoboken Natives
Illustration showing Dutch Colonists attacking indigenous camps on February 25, 1643, killing 120 people, including women and children.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Augustine E Costello. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Howard Pyle. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1659: Broad Street Canal
Illustration depicting views of the "Graft", or canal in Broad Street, and the Fish Bridge which once spanned it.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
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.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
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.
Artist Credit: Charles Harris. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1664: Dutch Surrender of New Amsterdam
On August 27, 1664, four English frigates sailed into New Amsterdam's harbor and demanded its surrender, eventually convincing Peter Stuyvesant to cede the territory.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1676: New York City Hall and The Great Dock
Illustration of the old Great Dock near City Hall, one of the primary ports welcoming travelers and merchants to the New York Harbor.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1679: Dutch Cottage in Old New York
Illustration of a quaint Dutch cottage in a residential section of Manhattan.
Artist Credit: G. Hayward & Co. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1689: The Trainbands Signing Jacob Leisler's Declaration
Print shows English militia members signing an accord which officially established New York under the dominion of the English crown.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1667: New Amsterdam Harbor
Illustration of New Amsterdam, a small city on Manhattan Island, New-Holland, North America. The image depicts the harbor and multiple ships taking port.
Artist Credit: G. Hayward & Co. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1674: The Blockhouse and City Gate
View of the Schoeinge or street piling on the East River shore near present Coenties Slip - the dock and river front to Wall Street
Artist Credit: Julia M Colton. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1680: Corner of Exchange Place & Broad Street
Colorized illustration of pedestrians in front of a Dutch-style house, constructed on the north east corner of Exchange Place & Broad Street.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1696: Captain Kidd In New York Harbor
Illustration of Captain Kidd, a famous Scottish pirate approaching New York's famous Harbor.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public LibraryNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1700s
During the 18th Century, New York City was still largely rural, but rapidly expanding as more settlers arrived from Europe. The city would also play instrumental roles in attain... Continue Reading