History of New York City (prehistory–1664)

The Stadt Huys (City Hall) of New York in 1679 at Pearl Street

History of New York City (prehistory–1664) covers the period from the arrival of Paleo-Indians in the region thousands of years ago to the end of Dutch rule and transfer to English control in 1664. This era encompasses the initial settlement by Native American tribes, exploration by Europeans, particularly the Dutch, and the early stages of colonization.

Prehistory

The area that would become New York City was inhabited by the Lenape people prior to European contact. The Lenape were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking peoples and lived in communities focused on hunting, fishing, and gathering. They utilized the abundant natural resources of the region, including the rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, for sustenance. The area's geography, with its harbors and rivers, would later make it a valuable asset for European colonizers.

European Exploration

The first documented European to enter New York Harbor was Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, an Italian explorer who sailed under the French flag. However, it was not until Henry Hudson, an Englishman sailing for the Dutch East India Company, explored the region in 1609 that European interest in the area intensified. Hudson's voyage up the river that would later bear his name laid the groundwork for Dutch claims to the region.

Dutch Settlement

The Dutch established the colony of New Netherland in the early 17th century, with its capital in New Amsterdam, located on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. The settlement served as a trading post for the exchange of goods between the Dutch and the Native American tribes, as well as between the colony and other parts of the world. The Dutch West India Company controlled the colony and sought to expand its trade operations.

The Dutch period was marked by the establishment of the patroonship system, which granted large tracts of land to individuals in exchange for the transport and settlement of European colonists. This system led to the development of agricultural estates and furthered the European footprint in the region.

Relations with Native Americans

The relationship between the Dutch settlers and the Native American tribes was complex, characterized by both trade and conflict. Initial interactions were primarily focused on the fur trade, with beaver pelts being a highly valued commodity. However, as the Dutch sought to expand their settlements, tensions over land use and sovereignty led to conflicts, including the series of conflicts known as the Kieft's War.

End of Dutch Rule

The Dutch rule in New Amsterdam ended in 1664 when English forces, acting on behalf of Duke of York, later King James II of England, seized control of the colony without significant resistance. The colony was renamed New York in honor of the Duke. This transfer marked the beginning of English control over the area, which would have significant implications for its development and the future United States.

Legacy

The Dutch period left a lasting impact on New York City, from the street patterns of lower Manhattan to place names such as Brooklyn (from Breukelen) and Harlem (from Haarlem). The legacy of Dutch governance, including a degree of religious tolerance and a focus on trade, would influence the character of the city for centuries to come.