Introduction

The vignettes that follow reflect something of the shared experiences that took place between the Dutch and the original inhabitants of the region that would be called New Netherland. As historian James Axtell once put it, European invaders had encountered Native defenders. Yet the intent of the Dutch to control the lucrative trade in furs forced a partnership with Indians that, for the most part, presented advantages for both parties, although it sometimes lost its way. The outcome for many was often tumultuous amid misunderstandings, violence, and death. But compromises and accommodations were made and life went on, for better or worse. The colonial venture had begun.