New York is one of the most renowned cities in the world, having served as an incredibly influential hub of culture, finance, politics, media, and much more. The city’s rich history began with the founding of New Amsterdam in 1625 by Dutch settlers. But who founded New York and why?
Let’s take a look at the city’s fascinating history and the founders who established it.
The Origin and Early History of New York
The early history of the area that would become New York began in 1524, when the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, sailing under the orders of France, visited the area in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean. He is credited with being the first European to enter New York Harbor.
In 1609, the Dutch navigator and explorer Henry Hudson, sailing for the Netherlands, navigated up the river that now bears his name – the Hudson River. The Dutch then established the colony of New Netherland two years later in 1611, with Fort Nassau being the first European settlement.
The Founding of New Amsterdam
It wasn’t until 1624 that the Dutch West India Company sent an expedition to colonize the area. The expedition arrived in 1625 and set up a trading post that they called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. The Dutch West India Company appointed Peter Minuit as the colony’s first governor, who is credited as the official founder of the city. He is said to have purchased Manhattan from the local Manahatta Native American tribe for garments, guns, and duffel cloth amounting to about 60 guilders, which is about $1,000 in today’s money.
The colony gained a population of around 500 people by 1626 and had established a trading post at the southern tip of Manhattan island. This trading post became a key trading hub and also served as a strategic stronghold, bringing in even more settlers and creating the basis of what would become modern-day New York City.
The Arrival and Founding of New York
The New Netherland colony only lasted a few decades, as in 1664, the British overtook the colony and renamed it “New York” after the Duke of York, who later became King James II. The city was re-labelled as “New York” to emphasize the city’s British identity.
The British appointed their own governors and issued their own laws. This marked the beginning of a new era for the city, as during this period the city grew and flourished with the construction of roads, bridges, and fortifications. The city also saw an influx of diverse immigration which further helped shape the city’s culture and population.
The City During the Revolutionary War
New York was an important target during the Revolutionary War, as it was the British forces’ last holdout in the American colonies. The American forces surrounded the city, leading to the British forces in the city eventually surrendering in 1783, thus ending the war.
This period marked a new era for the city, known as the era of the Republic. The city saw an unprecedented growth, with a massive influx of immigrants, and by 1810, the city’s population had risen to over 60,000.
The City Since the 19th Century
Since the 19th century, New York has become one of the top cities in the world. It began transitioning from a port city to a commercial trading hub and by 1860, the city had grown to over 800,000 people.
The city entered the industrial era in the late 19th century, leading to new technologies and transportation methods that soon made New York the center of modern culture, business, and commerce. The city also had a massive influx of immigrants from Europe, leading to a more diverse population and culture.
In 1898, New York further expanded with the consolidation of five boroughs, resulting in the establishment of Greater New York City. This new city had a population of over three million and was the largest city in the world for the first half of the 20th century.
New York is a city with an incredibly rich history. From its foundation as the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam in 1625, to its transition to the British-held city of New York during the Revolutionary war, the city has seen its fair share of historical events. Today, the city is one of the most important cultural, commercial, and financial centers in the world.
The city has its founding roots in Peter Minuit, the Dutch West India Company, and the Manahatta Native Americans. The result of this foundation has led to the incredible success of the city today, and the city and its history are marked by those who founded it and those who have contributed to it since.
