The Dutch in New York City

17th Century Dutch influence is still here.

photo by author

In the book we meet many of the people significant in the history of not only Tottenville, but of all the New York City area.

I’ve already shared about the Lenape & early explorers such as Verrazzano and Hudson.

Now we are ready to talk about the Dutch.

After Hudson, who was sailing under the Dutch flag, the Dutch arrived in the New York area, claiming it as a Dutch colony.

“Understanding the Dutch in New York’s history is important to better understand Tottenville’s history. They not only shaped the beginning of our history after the Lenni Lenape, but traces of their influence still remain today.”

Mangino, Angie. 17th Century Tottenville History Comes Alive (Kindle Locations 269–271).

Hudson had returned home telling of all the beavers he had seen along the coast.

This offered a solution to the demand for felt hats made from beaver fur in Europe.

In Europe by the early 1600s beavers were nearly extinct from this fashion demand.