Albany

In 1614, Dutch traders built Fort Nassau on Castle Island for fur trade with inland natives. Despite strategic placement, flooding forced its abandonment by 1618, delaying permanent Dutch settlement.

In 1624, the Dutch built Fort Orange on the mainland near Fort Nassau’s site, securing key fur trade routes. It became the foundation for Albany and a vital hub for beaver exports.

In 1631, Killiaen van Rensselaer founded Rensselaerswijck near Fort Orange, establishing the only successful Dutch patroonship. His private farming colony endured for generations, shaping early New York settlement.

In 1652, a power struggle erupted between Brant Van Slichtenhorst and Petrus Stuyvesant over control of land near Fort Orange. Stuyvesant prevailed, claiming the area and founding Beverwijck.

For twelve years, Fort Orange, Rensselaerswijck, and Beverwijck coexisted. Beverwijck steadily grew, adding tradesmen, families, a school, and church. Though mostly Dutch, its diverse population included Germans, Swedes, French, Africans, and Indians.