Settlers in New Netherland were a diverse group. Among them were Germans, Scandinavians, French, Scots, English, Irish, Jews, Italians, and Croats. Other residents of New Netherland were born in Africa and brought to the colony as slaves, some of whom were later freed.
The first colonists lived in square pits, like cellars, that were covered with wood and bark. These simple shelters protected them from the elements until they could build basic cottages. Once New Netherland became more established, colonists built better wooden and later stone and brick houses.
Most Dutch children--both rich and poor--attended school in New Netherland. Although most families paid a fee to the local schoolmaster, students whose parents could not afford this fee were admitted for free.
New Netherland was a Dutch colony from 1614 to 1664, about 50 years. In 1664, the English took the colony from the Dutch by force--even though the two countries were not at war and few if any shots were fired.
The Return of the Experiment by Len Tantilo Introduction Your mind drifts off as your teacher talks about the Dutch here in America. You picture...
Fort Orange by Len Tantillo The gateway into the fort is on your right. You look up and stare at the fort’s walls. They aren’t...
Arent van Curler’s Farm by Len Tantillo Archaeologist James Bradley explains: “At the Flatts, the most important building was a combination house and barn. This...
New Amsterdam by Johannes Vingboons. You find yourself walking up a short street into New Amsterdam. Funny, you don’t remember the trip down the North...
1609 Henry Hudson sails into New York Harbor and up the Hudson River, claiming the land for the Dutch. 1614 The Dutch establish Fort Nassau,...
